AL HB54

Extends line of duty death benefits to beneficiaries or dependents of volunteer firefighters who die from work-related cancer, matching existing protections for paid firefighters.

Defines covered cancers to include bladder, blood, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, intestinal, kidney, lymphatic, lung, prostate, rectum, respiratory tract, skin, testicular, thyroid cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Requires volunteer firefighter to have passed a pre-certification physical examination with no cancer evidence, completed at least six years of service, and been an active member of an Alabama-recognized volunteer fire department at symptom onset.

Presumes cancer arose from volunteer firefighting service if a known carcinogen exposure is reasonably linked to the cancer type, unless the state proves by preponderance of evidence that cancer was caused by other means.

Becomes effective October 1, 2024.