This bill proposes updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding workers' compensation for peace officers, firefighters, and fire investigators. It clarifies the conditions under which certain occupational diseases are presumed to arise from employment. Specifically, it modifies the existing language to include a broader range of cancers and diseases that can be considered occupational diseases. The bill removes specific references to certain cancers and instead lists a comprehensive set of conditions, including adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, and various other cancers affecting different organs, thereby expanding the scope of coverage for affected individuals.

Additionally, the bill retroactively applies these clarifications to July 1, 2021, ensuring that individuals who have suffered from these conditions since that date are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. The amendments also make technical and conforming changes to the existing statutes, ensuring that the language aligns with the updated definitions and conditions for occupational diseases. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for first responders by recognizing a wider array of health issues as occupationally related.

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