Bill > HB0065

This bill modifies Utah's Occupational Disease Act to expand workers' compensation benefits for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The bill significantly broadens the definition of "firefighter" and creates a comprehensive rebuttable presumption for cancer claims. Specifically, it establishes a list of 15 "presumptive cancers" that can be considered work-related if certain conditions are met, including serving as a firefighter for at least eight years, undergoing regular medical screenings, and demonstrating exposure to known carcinogens. The bill requires the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health to offer cancer screenings for firefighters after seven years of service, with different screening frequencies based on age. Firefighters can claim the presumption within a specified period after leaving service (up to 120 months), and they must provide documentation like pre-service medical examinations and proof of non-tobacco use. The bill also mandates that the state conduct a five-year study to evaluate the cancer presumption and potentially expand or modify the list of presumptive cancers. Additionally, the legislation includes a $3.7 million appropriation to support the cancer screening program for the first three years, with the intent of transitioning to a one-time appropriation in future budgets.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0065.html