BILL NUMBER: S7534
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to disability
retirement benefits for the presumption of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
for paid members of a fire department in a city with a population of one
million or more
 
PURPOSE:
This bill establishes a presumption with respect to Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis ("ALS"), also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease, that
results in death or disability for paid members of the Fire Department
in the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 2074 to the General Municipal Law to estab-
lish that for any paid member of a fire department in a city of one
million or more, or for a paid member in such department who has been
retired five years or less, and has any condition of impairment of
health caused by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis that was not present at
the time of entry, such diagnosis shall be presumptive evidence of the
illness being sustained in the performance of duties.
Section 2 provides that the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund
shall implement the intent of section 1 in providing disability retire-
ment benefits for members who qualify under this bill.
Section 3 establishes an immediate effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill would recognize the scientific link between Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis ("ALS"), which is a fatal, nervous system disease that
affects the brain and spinal cord. and the occupational hazards of the
profession of firefighting.
There is compelling evidence that a Firefighter& 39;s exposure to neuro-
toxins, chemicals and environmental elements in the line of duty is a
contributing factor to the development of neurodegenerative diseases,
including ALS. Firefighters are exposed to toxic materials and
substances, including combustion byproducts, pesticides and heavy
metals, which have been determined to be associated with an increased
risk of ALS.
Enacting a presumption that a diagnosis of ALS, in active or retired
firefighters, is caused in the performance of their duties, would ensure
that these brave public servants receive the support and compensation
they deserve to address their healthcare needs appropriately.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S9594 - Referred to Civil Service and Pensions/A10511
Referred to Governmental Employees
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
See fiscal note.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.