Bill > H2961

This bill amends Massachusetts law to create a presumption that certain contagious diseases causing disability or death among full-time uniformed public safety workers (police, fire, and emergency medical service personnel) are considered to have been suffered in the line of duty. To qualify, the worker must have passed a physical examination upon entry into service that did not reveal the medical condition, and the disease must be one that can result from exposure to blood or body fluids (excluding the common cold). Specifically, the bill covers conditions like COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and other contagious diseases determined by the Department of Public Health to have a statistically significant correlation with public safety work. Workers have up to five years after their last active service to apply for benefits, which would be payable from the date of their last regular compensation. The presumption can be challenged if evidence shows the condition was caused by non-service connected risk factors or accidents. The bill ensures that workers who regularly responded to emergency calls during their service can seek benefits, and it does not prevent workers from applying for other existing benefit provisions.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2961