Bill > SB555

This bill creates a comprehensive workers' compensation presumption for heart diseases affecting firefighters and law enforcement officers, establishing that heart-related conditions can be considered work-related under specific conditions. The bill allows heart disease claims if the employee has at least two years of continuous service and the disease is diagnosed either during employment, within a period after separation equal to years worked (for those with less than 20 years of service), or at any time after completing 20 years of service. The presumption does not apply if the employee regularly used tobacco within the year before filing a claim or materially deviated from a physician's care plan. The bill mandates regular physical examinations for affected employees, with varying frequencies based on age and employment type, and outlines specific requirements for volunteer firefighters. Additionally, the bill exempts heart disease claims from standard time limitations for workers' compensation claims, allows claims to be reopened throughout the employee's lifetime, and provides options for disability benefits if the employee cannot continue working in their profession. The legislation defines "firefighter" and "law enforcement officer" broadly to include various public safety roles and establishes conditions under which employees can qualify for benefits related to heart diseases.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=555&year=2025