This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers, particularly concerning conditions like tuberculosis, heart disease, and hypertension. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "employing agency" and "heart disease," and clarifies that a previously conducted physical examination can satisfy the requirement for a presumption of disability. The bill also removes obsolete language and makes technical changes to existing statutes. Specifically, it allows law enforcement and correctional officers to use physical examinations from former employers under certain conditions, ensuring that these examinations meet the necessary health standards.

Additionally, the bill establishes that if a current officer did not undergo a preemployment physical examination with their current agency but had one with a former agency, that examination can be used to claim the presumption of disability. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining records of physical examinations for at least five years after an employee's separation from the agency. The legislation also states that governmental entities can negotiate insurance policies that include provisions for accidental death benefits related to these health conditions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is declared to fulfill an important state interest.

Statutes affected:
S 330 Filed: 112.18, 943.13
S 330 c1: 112.18, 943.13