AL HB227

Limits eligibility for disability and death benefits related to hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disease to 10 years after a firefighter leaves employment with a municipality, state, or fire district, unless the disease is reasonably linked to their service.

Cancer, HIV, and hepatitis remain eligible for benefits within the 10-year window if the firefighter demonstrates exposure during employment, with these conditions presumed work-related unless the employer proves otherwise.

Applies to municipal firefighters under Section 11-43-144, state firefighters under Sections 36-30-40 and 36-30-41, and fire district firefighters under new Section 2.

Fire districts that provide occupational disease benefits to employee firefighters may impose the same 10-year limitation on eligibility, with the same exception for diseases linked to service.

Becomes effective October 1, 2025.