Bill > SB181

This bill extends and modifies workers' compensation protections for firefighters with heart, lung, or cancer diseases by creating a presumption that such diseases are work-related. Specifically, the bill establishes that firefighters who have worked for at least 10 years and can demonstrate they lived a tobacco-free lifestyle are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they develop certain diseases. The bill introduces several key provisions: firefighters must provide medical evidence showing they were disease-free at the start of employment, retired firefighters can receive medical expense coverage for up to 20 years after retirement, and a new requirement mandates that workers' compensation claims for firefighters with cancer must be paid within 21 days of notice to the insurance carrier. The bill also defines a "tobacco-free lifestyle" as not using tobacco or vaping products more than four times a week in the past six months, with exceptions for religious or ceremonial use. Importantly, the presumption of occupational causation can only be overcome by "clear and convincing evidence" that the disease is not work-related, which shifts the burden of proof in favor of firefighters seeking compensation. The bill aims to provide additional protections for firefighters, recognizing the potential health risks associated with their profession, and will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1067&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB181