The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding the classification of occupational diseases for peace officers and firefighters. Specifically, it would clarify the list of diseases presumed to be occupational diseases by explicitly enumerating the types of cancers that qualify. The current law, which broadly states that certain diseases are presumed to be occupational diseases, would be updated to specify that these include brain, bladder, rectal, and colon cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, adenocarcinoma, and mesothelioma of the respiratory tract. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for determining eligibility for occupational disease claims.

Additionally, the bill would also revise the language concerning firefighters and fire investigators, similarly specifying the cancers that would qualify for the presumption of occupational disease. The current law's vague references to various cancers would be replaced with a detailed list, including buccal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, large intestine, lung, kidney, prostate, skin, stomach, ovarian, breast, and testicular cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and malignant melanoma. These amendments are intended to enhance clarity and ensure that affected individuals can more easily understand their rights and the conditions under which they may claim occupational disease benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-901, 23-1043.01
House Engrossed Version: 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-901, 23-1043.01