The bill amends RCW 51.32.185 to remove specific qualifiers related to the presumption of occupational disease for heart problems among firefighters and law enforcement officers. Notably, it eliminates the requirement that heart problems must be experienced within a certain timeframe following exposure to smoke, fumes, or strenuous physical exertion. The bill also updates the number of firefighters required for certain presumptions from "fifty" to "50" and extends the presumption of occupational disease for heart problems and infectious diseases to law enforcement officers. Additionally, it clarifies that the presumption for posttraumatic stress disorder applies to those who have served at least ten years.

Furthermore, the bill establishes an advisory committee on occupational disease presumptions, tasked with reviewing scientific evidence and making recommendations for additional diseases or disorders to be included under the presumption. The committee will consist of five voting members with expertise in epidemiology and preventive medicine, and it is required to provide recommendations to the legislature within 180 days of a request. The act is officially titled the Erik Shouse Memorial Act.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 51.32.185