The bill amends the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969 to expand the definition of "personal injury" to include respiratory and heart diseases for specific categories of employees, including full-time members of fire departments, police departments, and county medical examiners. It establishes that these conditions are presumed to arise out of employment, provided they develop during active service and result from job-related duties. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for claims related to various types of cancer for first responders and medical examiners, allowing them to claim benefits from the Christopher R. Slezak first responder presumed coverage fund if they meet certain service and exposure criteria.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the operational framework for the Christopher R. Slezak first responder presumed coverage fund, including the process for claims, the responsibilities of the fund's director, and the requirement for annual reporting on claims and expenditures. It specifies that claims against employers are suspended while benefits are received from the fund, and it establishes guidelines for managing insufficient funds. The amendments aim to enhance protections for first responders and medical examiners by ensuring they have access to necessary benefits for work-related health issues.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 418.405