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Bill

S 8058

Relates to disability retirement benefits for the presumption of cancer affecting the endocrine and thyroid systems and Parkinson's Disease for certain firefighters

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

Creates a presumption that endocrine/thyroid cancer and Parkinsons disease are work-related, expediting disability retirement for eligible firefighters by easing proof.

PRINT NUMBER 8058A
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Bill Summary · S 8058

Bill Summary: S.8058A – Disability Retirement Benefits Presumption for Firefighters

Date: Introduced May 15, 2025
Status: PRINT NUMBER 8058A
Sponsor: James Skoufis (primary)
Related: A.8725 (companion)

Sections below summarize the bill’s purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline.

Overview and Purpose

  • The bill Relates to disability retirement benefits by establishing a presumption that certain serious health conditions—specifically cancer affecting the endocrine and thyroid systems and Parkinson’s Disease—are work-related for eligible firefighters.
  • Intended Effect: Streamline eligibility for disability retirement by shifting to a presumption that these illnesses are disease-caused by firefighting service (where applicable), thereby potentially reducing the burden of proof on individual firefighters seeking disability retirement benefits.

Key Provisions (as suggested by the title and standard presumption framework)

  • Creation or confirmation of a legal presumption that disability retirement benefits are appropriate for firefighters diagnosed with:
    • Cancer affecting the endocrine and thyroid systems, and
    • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Application to “certain firefighters” (i.e., specific eligibility criteria may apply, such as employment status, service duration, or other definitions to be provided in the bill’s text).
  • Presumption for disability retirement benefits arising out of and in the course of employment, subject to the bill’s defined conditions and existing program rules.
  • Possible alignment with existing disability retirement benefits processes, medical review standards, and timelines, while altering the burden of proof in favor of the firefighter.

Note: The exact statutory language, definitions, and procedural details (e.g., eligibility thresholds, time limits, medical criteria) would be found in the bill’s text. The summary reflects the bill’s stated intent based on the title and related legislative actions.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Firefighters who are eligible for disability retirement benefits.
  • Secondary: Fire department employers and the state retirement/benefits system responsible for processing disability retirement claims.
  • Related Assembly measure: A.8725 (companion bill, indicating parallel consideration in the Assembly).

Procedural History and Timeline

  • 2025-05-15: Referred to the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Pensions.
  • 2025-05-19: Amendments and Recommit to Civil Service and Pensions (listed twice in actions).
  • 2025-05-19: Print Number 8058A issued (the amended version for Senate consideration).
  • Companion: A.8725 (Assembly companion bill).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Beneficiaries: Firefighters with cancer affecting endocrine/thyroid systems or Parkinson’s Disease who seek disability retirement benefits may qualify more readily under a presumption, potentially expediting approvals and reducing contested proof requirements.
  • Fiscal and Administrative Effects: Possible changes in benefit expenditures and medical review processes; details depend on the bill’s defined eligibility and medical criteria.
  • Implementation: Requires alignment with existing disability retirement statutes, medical evidence standards, and appeal rights; may include defined “certain firefighters” and transition provisions.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor further amendments and the bill’s final language in the Civil Service and Pensions committee and the full Senate.
  • Review the Assembly companion (A.8725) for parallel provisions and potential differences.
  • Look for fiscal notes or impact statements that accompany the final version to assess cost implications.

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

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