This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a rebuttable presumption of injury for certain cancers—specifically bladder cancer, mesothelioma, and testicular cancer—contracted by professional firefighters in the course of their employment. The bill outlines that if a firefighter has been actively employed for a minimum of five years and meets specific conditions regarding tobacco use and age, it will be presumed that these cancers arose from their work. Additionally, the bill specifies that this presumption will expire on July 1, 2028, unless the Legislature decides to extend it.

The bill also makes several technical amendments to existing language regarding workers' compensation benefits for occupational diseases, including the definition of occupational pneumoconiosis and the conditions under which benefits are payable. Notably, it updates the expiration date for the rebuttable presumption from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2028, ensuring that the new provisions regarding the three types of cancer are clearly defined and time-limited. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for firefighters facing specific health risks associated with their profession.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-4-1