Bill > A08229

This bill provides a performance of duty presumption for firefighters in New York City by establishing that any condition of impairment caused by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in paid fire department members of a city with one million or more residents will be presumed to have been incurred in the line of duty. Specifically, the bill applies to active firefighters and those retired for five years or less who passed their initial physical examination without evidence of ALS. Under this legislation, any disability or death related to ALS would be considered work-related unless proven otherwise by competent evidence. The bill will allow eligible firefighters or their families to receive enhanced disability or death benefits, which could include up to 75% of their final average salary for disability and a lifetime benefit of 50% of their last year's wages plus potential additional death benefits. The New York City Fire Department Pension Fund will be responsible for implementing the administrative actions necessary to enact this presumption. The bill is designed to provide additional support and recognition for firefighters who develop this serious neurological disease, acknowledging the potential occupational risks associated with their profession.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8229