Bill > S97

This bill expands the definition of "killed in the line of duty" for firefighters by adding stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) to the existing list of occupationally-related cancers that qualify for death benefits under the Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act. Currently, the law already recognizes several cancer types as presumptively job-related for firefighters, including mesothelioma, testicular cancer, small intestine cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cavity cancer, and pharynx cancer. The bill appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to cover the additional benefits, and the changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, applying to qualifying firefighter deaths occurring on or after that date. By adding stomach cancer to the list, the bill acknowledges the increased cancer risks firefighters face due to exposure to hazardous substances during their work and ensures that their families will receive death benefits if they die from this specific type of cancer.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S97