The bill H.661 proposes to expand workers' compensation coverage for firefighters by adding cancers of the larynx, pharynx, and trachea to the list of cancers presumed to be caused by their line of duty. Additionally, it removes the previous requirement that firefighters must be under 65 years of age for such a presumption to apply. The bill maintains that firefighters must complete cancer screening evaluations and have engaged in firefighting duties for at least five years in Vermont prior to diagnosis to qualify for this presumption. It also stipulates that the presumption does not apply to firefighters who have used tobacco products within ten years of their diagnosis.

Furthermore, the bill includes a recommendation for fire departments to keep incident report records for a minimum of ten years and to provide annual cancer screenings for all firefighters. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 21-601