The bill amends sections 45-19.1-3 and 45-19.1-4 of the General Laws concerning "Cancer Benefits for Fire Fighters." It establishes that any fire fighter, including those employed by the state or municipalities participating in optional retirement for police officers and fire fighters, who is unable to perform their duties due to a disabling occupational cancer developed during their service, is entitled to receive occupational cancer disability benefits. This entitlement extends to retired fire department members who develop occupational cancer, and the provisions apply retroactively to retired members. The language also clarifies that these benefits are applicable regardless of any conflicting general, special, or specific laws, or municipal ordinances.

Additionally, the bill introduces a conclusive presumption that any type of cancer found in a firefighter is considered an occupational cancer, with certain exceptions for firefighters hired after July 22, 2020. These exceptions include cases where a physical examination at hiring revealed cancer, if the firefighter has less than two years of service, or if they have used tobacco products habitually in the five years prior to a cancer diagnosis. The retroactive application of these provisions to all cancer-related claims pending after July 22, 2020, is also included. The act will take effect upon passage.