Bill > H2765

This bill amends Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding a new Section 94C that creates a presumption of disability for public employees who develop lung or respiratory tract diseases that result in total disability or death. Specifically, if an employee becomes disabled or dies from a lung or respiratory condition that was caused by negative environmental factors in their workplace, the law will presume that the condition was work-related unless there is competent evidence proving otherwise. This provision applies to both non-contributory and contributory retirement systems, which are types of public employee pension systems where either the employer, the employee, or both contribute funds. The bill aims to provide additional protection for public service workers who may have been exposed to harmful workplace conditions that lead to serious health impairments, effectively making it easier for such employees or their families to qualify for disability retirement benefits by shifting the burden of proof to the employer to demonstrate that the condition was not work-related.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2765