Bill > SB1215

This bill expands the list of cancers presumed to be occupational diseases for firefighters and fire investigators in Arizona, meaning these conditions are more easily recognized as work-related for workers' compensation purposes. Specifically, it adds breast cancer, buccal cavity cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, large intestine cancer, lung cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, ovarian cancer, pharynx cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and stomach cancer to the existing list of covered cancers, which already included adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, brain cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma of the respiratory tract, and rectal cancer. The bill also clarifies that these presumptions apply if the firefighter or fire investigator passed a pre-employment physical that didn't show evidence of cancer, served at least five years in hazardous duty, and for certain cancers, received a physical examination aligned with national fire protection standards. The presumption can be overcome with clear evidence of a non-occupational cause for the cancer, and it does not apply to respiratory cancers if tobacco use outside of duty is a substantial contributing factor. This legislation aims to provide better protections for firefighters and fire investigators who face significant health risks due to their profession.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84353