Connecticut considers expanding firefighter presumption to other workers

Connecticut lawmakers Wednesday presented a bill that would expand the state’s firefighter cancer presumption.

S.B. 1029, which was sent to the Labor Committee, would amend state law to add “other worker(s) impacted by similar conditions” as those who qualify when “diagnosed with cancer” that is “presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment as a result of exposures particular to the duties performed as a firefighter.”

The bill does not define “other workers.”

The state’s existing presumption currently covers uniformed members of paid municipal or volunteer fire departments, regular members of paid municipal police departments, constables or members of volunteer ambulance services.