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HB 1190

Line of duty disability from PFAS exposure.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Randy Novak

HB 1190 designates PFAS-exposure illnesses as line-of-duty disabilities for Indiana first responders, qualifying them for workers' compensation and related benefits without individual causation proof.

First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety
#environment;hazardouswaste #health;physicaldisabilities
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Bill Summary · HB 1190

Legislative bill overview

HB 1190 would establish that disabilities or illnesses caused by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure qualify as line-of-duty disabilities for Indiana public safety and emergency personnel. This would make such conditions eligible for workers' compensation, disability benefits, and related protections typically granted to officers injured in the course of their work.

Why is this important

PFAS chemicals are widely used in firefighting foam and have accumulated in the blood of firefighters at significantly higher rates than the general population, with documented links to various health conditions. Classifying PFAS-related illnesses as line-of-duty injuries would provide affected workers medical coverage and income support without requiring them to prove direct causation in individual cases, similar to how cancer presumptions work for firefighters in some states.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and causation: Determining which specific health conditions qualify as PFAS-caused may be scientifically ambiguous, potentially creating disputes over eligibility and benefit costs
  • Financial burden: Expanding presumptive coverage could significantly increase employer and workers' compensation insurance costs for municipalities and the state
  • Precedent concerns: This could encourage similar presumptive illness bills for other occupational exposures, affecting future budget planning and liability exposure

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

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