Protect Volunteer Firefighters' Lungs

What's happening

Why it matters

1. 1

   Provides long-term job security and health protection for volunteer firefighters. by ensuring that lung disabilities presumed to be work-related will continue to be covered without interruption, potentially increasing peace of mind for current and future volunteers.

2. 2

   Reduces uncertainty for individuals and families. about medical and disability benefits, as the coverage will not be subject to future legislative renewal or expiration dates.

3. 3

   May encourage volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. by signaling a stronger, more permanent commitment by the state to support volunteers who face health risks while serving their communities.

4. 4

   Shifts long-term financial and administrative planning for local governments and benefit insurers. , who must now plan for ongoing, indefinite claims related to lung disabilities among volunteer firefighters.

Who cares

• Volunteer firefighters with certain lung disabilities

  The bill would make permanent the law creating a presumption relating to those disabilities by removing its June 30, 2020 expiration date.

• Volunteer fire departments

  The bill would preserve the lung-disability presumption for volunteer firefighters rather than let the law expire.

• Administrators of volunteer firefighter benefits

  The bill would remove the scheduled repeal of the law establishing the presumption under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law.

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