Bill > S1485

This bill amends Chapter 32 of the General Laws to create a presumption that any contagious disease resulting in disability or death to a full-time uniformed member of a paid police, fire, or municipal emergency medical service was suffered in the line of duty, unless it is shown that non-service connected factors caused the incapacity. The presumption only applies if the disabling or fatal condition is a type of contagious disease that may result from exposure to blood and other body fluids, excluding the common cold. The provisions do not apply to those who have served for fewer than five years or if the condition was first discovered within five years of the last date of active service, unless the person establishes that they regularly responded to calls during their service. The presumption also applies to conditions like Hepatitis A, B, or C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and any other contagious disease found to have a statistically significant correlation with police, fire, or emergency medical service.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1485