Open Eye

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117th Congress · House

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

Subjects: Blood and blood diseases · Cancer · Cardiovascular and respiratory health · Digestive and metabolic diseases · Disability and paralysis · Disability assistance · Emergency medical services and trauma care · Employee benefits and pensions

In plain language

  • House bill in the 117th Congress.
  • Makes it easier for federally employed firefighters who contract certain illnesses to qualify for federal workers' compensation.
  • House passed it on May 11, 2022 (substantive).
Official summary (Congressional Research Service)

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022 This bill makes it easier for federally employed firefighters who contract certain illnesses to qualify for federal workers' compensation. Specifically, the bill provides that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mesothelioma, and specified other cancers of those employed in fire protection activities for at least five years are presumed to be proximately caused by such employment for purposes of a disability or death claim under the federal workers' compensation program. This presumption also applies to federal employees employed in fire protection activities for at least five years who experience a sudden cardiac event or stroke within 24 hours of performing a fire protection activity. The bill also requires the Department of Labor to conduct a review to determine whether breast cancer, gynecological cancer, and rhabdomyolysis should be included under the presumption and to conduct periodic reviews to determine whether other diseases should be included. In addition, a person may petition Labor to include another disease under the presumption. An employee in fire protection activities is a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous material worker who (1) is trained in fire suppression; (2) has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression; (3) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishing of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk, including the prevention, control, suppression, or management of wildland fires; and (4) performs such activities as a primary responsibility.

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Roll-call votes on this measure