Firefighter cancer insurance bill advances
The bill has already passed the
The bill would provide volunteer firefighters with lump sum payment of either
The bill requires the local fire districts to provide the insurance, meaning costs will ultimately be borne by local taxpayers. Volunteer fire companies generally are supported by either fire district taxes or fire protection contracts with towns or villages. The bill says the cost is undetermined.
Assemblyman
Santabarbara was a co-sponsor of the bill, which has bipartisan support. Other local co-sponsors included members Phil Steck D-
"Volunteer firefighters provide vital support to our families, responding to fires and accidents, saving lives," Santabarbara said. "They're pillars of our communities who continuously risk their lives to keep us safe. They deserve the necessary benefits and protections, and this measure helps make sure that happens."
A number of cancers are linked to exposure to smoke and chemicalsto which firefighters can be exposed, the bill's supporters state. Paid full-time firefighters already have similar coverage.
The bill says coverage will be available to those who are certified as building-interior firefighters for at least five years, and who passed an initial physical exam when they entered the fire service.
Volunteer companies have had difficulty in recruiting new firefighters in recent years, and the state has responded by offering new benefits, of which this could be another.
"It's challenging being a volunteer firefighter these days, and if something tragic like cancer should show up in a firefighter's life one day, knowing that there's better coverage can help us get through difficult times," said
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