The bill, S.B. No. 454, amends the Labor Code to establish a presumption of compensability for infertility claims made by firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). It introduces a new section, 408.009, which defines "infertility" and outlines the conditions under which a firefighter or EMT is presumed to have developed infertility during their employment. Specifically, the presumption applies if the individual regularly responded to calls involving firefighting or to events involving the release of radiation or carcinogens. This change aims to facilitate access to workers' compensation benefits for those affected by infertility due to their occupational hazards.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding the responsibilities of insurance carriers in handling claims related to infertility. It specifies that insurance carriers are not required to comply with certain notification requirements if the claim is based on the presumption established in the new section. The bill also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between employees and insurance carriers during the investigation of claims. The new provisions will apply only to claims filed on or after the effective date of the Act, ensuring that previously filed claims are governed by the law in effect at that time.

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