Bill > HB1293

This bill modifies Missouri law to extend line of duty retirement benefits and presumptive disability provisions to paid fire and explosion investigators, in addition to existing protections for uniformed firefighters. Specifically, the bill allows fire and explosion investigators to receive retirement benefits under certain conditions if they develop specific health conditions after five years of service. These conditions include infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, and various types of cancer that may result from occupational exposure. To qualify, the investigator must have passed a physical examination within five years prior to the claim that did not reveal the condition, and must submit to annual physical examinations including blood tests. The bill defines a "paid fire and explosion investigator" as a person employed by a political subdivision whose job duties involve investigating the origin, cause, or responsibility for fires or explosions. The bill expands the existing presumptive disability framework to recognize the potential health risks faced by fire and explosion investigators, ensuring they receive similar retirement and disability protections as firefighters when they develop certain work-related health conditions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1293&year=2025&code=R