AR HB1274

Amends Arkansas Code § 21-5-705(a) to establish a $150,000 death benefit for designated beneficiaries, surviving spouses, or surviving children under age 22 of public employees killed in the line of duty.

Creates a presumption that firefighters who develop specified cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the brain, digestive tract, urinary tract, liver, skin, breast, cervical, thyroid, prostate, or testicle) after January 1, 2012 developed those cancers through occupational exposure if exposed to a known carcinogen while on duty.

Limits cancer-related death benefits to firefighters under 68 years of age and excludes firefighters diagnosed with cancer prior to starting firefighter service.

Establishes the Firefighter Benefit Review Panel consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor (one oncologist, two paid firefighters, two volunteer firefighters, one fire chief, and one citizen with cancer/healthcare or firefighter experience) to review cancer-related death benefit claims and make recommendations to the Arkansas State Claims Commission.

Requires the Governor to appoint initial panel members within 30 days of the effective date.