Bill > S1797

This bill creates a presumption that certain contagious diseases contracted by full-time uniformed police, fire, or emergency medical service personnel are considered to have been suffered in the line of duty, provided the employee passed a physical examination upon entry that did not reveal the condition. Specifically, the bill allows these workers to more easily claim disability or death benefits if they contract a contagious disease that can result from exposure to blood or body fluids (excluding the common cold), within five years of their active service. The bill explicitly covers COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and any other contagious disease that the Department of Public Health determines has a statistically significant correlation with these public safety professions. To qualify, the employee must have regularly responded to service calls during their employment. The presumption can be challenged if there is evidence that non-service connected risk factors or accidents caused the condition. The bill aims to provide additional protection and support for public safety workers who may be at higher risk of contracting serious infectious diseases through their professional duties, making it easier for them to receive medical and disability benefits.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1797