Bill > H2836

This bill establishes a legal presumption that Parkinson's Disease causing disability or death for certain public safety workers is presumed to be work-related, specifically for uniformed firefighters, state police fire investigation and K9 unit members, airport fire personnel, and fire department members at specific military bases. To qualify, the affected worker must have passed a pre-employment physical exam that did not reveal the condition and must have served at least five years in their role, with the requirement that they regularly responded to fire calls or investigations during their service. The presumption can be challenged if employers can prove by "preponderance of evidence" that non-service connected risk factors caused the condition. The bill applies retroactively to workers employed in these roles within five years before the law's effective date, and does not impact the interpretation of existing disability retirement laws. The presumption allows these workers to more easily qualify for disability or death benefits by shifting the burden of proof regarding the origin of their Parkinson's Disease, recognizing the potential occupational health risks faced by firefighters and related public safety professionals.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2836