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Bill

A 6840

Provides a lung disease presumption for correction officers, correction supervisors, deputy sheriff patrol or deputy sheriff patrol supervisors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stacey Pheffer Amato

Establishes a presumption that lung disease in certain public safety workers is work-related for workers’ comp, shifting proof to the employer unless rebutted.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES
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Bill Summary · A 6840

Summary of Bill A 6840

Overview

Bill A 6840 would establish a lung disease presumption for certain public safety employees, specifically correction officers, correction supervisors, deputy sheriff patrol, and deputy sheriff patrol supervisors. The bill is introduced and referred to the Governmental Employees committee on March 14, 2025, with Stacey Pheffer Amato listed as the primary sponsor. A Senate companion exists (S 6404).

Purpose and intent

  • Create a legal presumption that lung disease diagnosed in the named categories of public safety personnel is work-related.
  • Aimed at simplifying, expediting, or strengthening workers’ compensation or related benefit claims for these employees by shifting the burden of proof in certain cases.

Note: The exact scope, diseases covered, duration of exposure requirements, and rebuttal mechanics are not provided in the information available. The precise definitions and procedures would be specified in the bill’s text.

Key provisions (as implied by the bill’s title)

  • Coverage: Applies to:
    • Correction officers
    • Correction supervisors
    • Deputy sheriff patrol
    • Deputy sheriff patrol supervisors
  • Presumption mechanism: Lung diseases diagnosed in these workers would be presumed to be work-related for purposes of eligibility under relevant benefit programs (typically workers’ compensation), unless the presumption is rebutted by evidence.
  • Rebuttal and standards: The bill would outline how the presumption can be challenged and what evidence or criteria could overcome it (not detailed in the provided information).

Note: The exact list of diseases, time of exposure, medical criteria, and administrative processes would be in the bill text.

Affected parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Current and future employees in the identified public safety roles who develop lung disease.
  • Employers and government entities: State and local agencies employing correction officers and deputy sheriffs, which would bear responsibilities under the presumption for managing claims.
  • Workers’ compensation system: Potential impact on claim handling, cost, and eligibility determinations.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: March 14, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Governmental Employees (March 14, 2025)
  • Legislative actions shown: Referred to Governmental Employees (listed twice, likely a duplication in record)

Related legislation

  • Related or companion bills include:
    • A 6241, A 4454, A 5205 (prior-session)
    • S 6404 (companion, listed as such in Senate)

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access to benefits: Could improve access to workers’ compensation or related benefits for affected workers.
  • Cost implications: Potentially increased workers’ compensation costs for local and state governments; exact fiscal impact would depend on disease coverage, claim rates, and rebuttal standards.
  • Implementation: Administrative rules would be needed to define covered diseases, exposure thresholds, claim timelines, and employer responsibility.

Next steps for readers

  • Await the full text to understand precise definitions (which lung diseases are included), duration and exposure requirements, rebuttal standards, notice and filing timelines, and any medical examination or reporting obligations.
  • Monitor subsequent committee actions and any Senate companion developments (S 6404) for alignment or differences.

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

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