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 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 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 insurance carriers' obligations in handling claims related to infertility. It specifies that insurance carriers are not required to comply with certain notice requirements if the claim is based on the presumption established in Section 408.009. The bill also outlines considerations for assessing administrative penalties related to claims where the presumption applies. Importantly, the new provisions will only apply 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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