Bill > SB1129

This bill amends Arizona law concerning workers' compensation for occupational diseases, specifically adding melanoma to a list of conditions that are presumed to be work-related for peace officers. Previously, this presumption applied to certain cancers like brain, bladder, rectal or colon cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory tract. The bill clarifies that if a peace officer develops melanoma and meets certain criteria, it will be presumed to be an occupational disease arising from their employment, meaning it is considered a direct result of their job. This presumption is granted if the officer passed a pre-employment physical that showed no signs of cancer and served at least five years in hazardous duty. The law also specifies that this presumption applies to current officers and former officers under 65 who are diagnosed within 15 years of leaving service, with an exception for respiratory cancers if tobacco use outside of duty is a significant cause. The presumption can be challenged with strong evidence proving a specific non-occupational cause for the cancer.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83909