The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 410 aims to improve support for the families of first responders who die from cancer-related illnesses. It introduces key definitions, such as "firefighter cancer death," which qualifies certain cancer-related fatalities for compensation. The bill establishes a "Fallen Hero Fund," a nonlapsing fund that will provide a $100,000 lump sum death benefit to the families of first responders who die in the line of duty, including those who succumb to firefighter cancer. Importantly, payments from this fund will not reduce other benefits the surviving family members may receive. The bill also mandates annual reporting by the Comptroller on the fund's expenditures and balance, while repealing and replacing existing language in Section 3-122a to update definitions and establish the new fund.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the general statutes related to firefighter cancer death benefits and survivor health insurance coverage. It clarifies the law with new definitions, including "nonprofit employee" and "nonstate public employer," and specifies that reimbursements for coverage under a partnership plan will come from the Fallen Hero Fund, except for firefighter cancer deaths, which will be reimbursed from a dedicated relief account. The bill also includes a one-year pilot program to reimburse firefighters for cancer screenings in selected municipalities, with the State Fire Marshal overseeing eligible screenings. A report on the pilot program's outcomes will be submitted to the General Assembly by January 1, 2028, further emphasizing the bill's commitment to enhancing support for firefighters and addressing health concerns in their profession.