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HB 359

Firefighters; to include Parkinson's Disease in occupational diseases to be compensated for death or disability

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Allen Treadaway

Alabama bill adds Parkinson's Disease as presumed occupational disease for firefighters eligible for workers' compensation benefits for disability or death.

Third Reading in House of Origin
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Bill Summary · HB 359

Legislative bill overview

HB 359 adds Parkinson's Disease to Alabama's list of occupational diseases eligible for workers' compensation benefits for firefighters who suffer disability or death from the condition. The bill presumes that if a firefighter develops Parkinson's Disease, it is work-related unless proven otherwise, shifting the burden of proof to employers or insurers to dispute the occupational connection.

Why is this important

Firefighters face documented exposure to hazardous substances—including pesticides, heavy metals, and combustion byproducts—that research suggests may increase Parkinson's risk. Without this designation, affected firefighters or their families must independently prove the disease originated from job duties, which is scientifically and legally difficult. This bill provides financial protection for a vulnerable occupational group facing potentially irreversible neurological decline.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding workers' compensation coverage increases insurance premiums for municipalities and the state, potentially raising taxpayer costs or straining local fire department budgets
  • Causation debate: Scientific evidence linking firefighting to Parkinson's exists but remains incomplete; some argue the presumption is too broad without stronger epidemiological consensus
  • Precedent concerns: Approval may prompt similar presumptive disease designations from other occupational groups, potentially creating broader compensation obligations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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