AL HB247

Extends line-of-duty death benefits to survivors of volunteer firefighters who die from work-related cancer, making them eligible for State Board of Adjustment compensation previously available only to paid firefighters

Covers 19 specific cancer types including bladder, blood, brain, breast, lung, skin, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and various lymphomas

Requires claimants to demonstrate the firefighter passed a cancer-free physical before certification, served at least 6 years, was active at symptom onset, and has documented exposure to known carcinogens through fire suppression activities

Creates a rebuttable presumption that cancer arose from volunteer service if the firefighter's exposure to carcinogens is reasonably linked to their cancer type; state must prove otherwise by preponderance of evidence

Effective date: October 1, 2026