Bill
HB 227
HB 227 limits firefighters' eligibility for disability benefits to 10 years post-retirement, impacting access to support for occupational diseases and reducing state costs.
House Bill 227 (HB 227) aims to amend existing laws regarding the eligibility of firefighters for disability and death benefits related to certain occupational diseases. The bill seeks to limit the post-retirement qualifying period for these benefits, specifically for conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, and certain cancers.
Eligibility Limitation: The bill proposes to limit eligibility for benefits to 10 years after a firefighter leaves employment, unless the individual can demonstrate that the qualifying disease resulted from their work as a firefighter. This is a reduction from the previously broader eligibility period.
Cancer Provisions: Firefighters who die from cancer within 10 years of their last employment will still be considered as having died in the line of duty, provided they can show exposure to carcinogens during their service.
Technical Revisions: The bill includes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update existing code language to current standards.
Fire Districts: If a fire district provides benefits for occupational diseases, it may impose similar eligibility limitations on former firefighters or their beneficiaries.
Financial Implications: The bill could potentially decrease obligations of the State General Fund by approximately $152,858 for each firefighter or their beneficiary who would no longer be eligible for compensation under the new provisions. Additionally, the State Employee Injury Compensation Trust Fund (SEITF) may also see decreased obligations, though the exact amount is undetermined and would depend on the claims that would no longer be eligible for benefits.
Affected Parties: The primary individuals affected by this bill are firefighters employed by municipalities or the state, as well as their beneficiaries. The changes may impact their access to benefits related to occupational diseases after retirement.
HB 227 represents a significant shift in how benefits for occupational diseases are administered to firefighters, potentially reducing the financial burden on state funds while altering the support available to former firefighters and their families. The bill's indefinite postponement leaves its future uncertain, pending further legislative action.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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