2009 House Bill 4473

Establish firefighters’ cancer presumption

Introduced in the House

Feb. 26, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Jennifer Haase (D-32)

To establish a presumption that cases of certain types of cancer contracted by non-volunteer firefighters arose out of and in the course of employment for purposes of granting workers compensation benefits, unless there is evidence to the contrary, and unless the person is a consistent cigarette smoker.

Referred to the Committee on Labor

April 1, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 2, 2009

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Reps. Jennifer Haase (D-32) and Tom McMillin (R-45)

To not extend the presumption to a firefighter who had been a smoker during the past 10 years, rather than the past five years.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jennifer Haase (D-32)

To extend the bill to part time firefighters, and to volunteer ones who have five years or more on the force.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Pete Lund (R-36)

To only extend the work-caused cancer presumption to firefighters who had a physical before starting on the job which showed them to be cancer-free.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 96 to 14 (details)

Received in the Senate

April 21, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism