CT HB05262

Establishes a firefighters cancer relief program to provide wage replacement benefits to firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers resulting from their service, effective February 1, 2017.

Creates a firefighters cancer relief account funded by a one cent per month per access line fee collected from telephone, mobile radio service, and voice over internet protocol service subscribers alongside existing enhanced 911 fees.

Firefighters are eligible for benefits if they worked at least 5 years as interior structural firefighters or fire marshals, passed pre-service physical exams with no cancer evidence, have not used tobacco within 15 years of applying, and have complied with OSHA safety standards for 5 consecutive years.

The Connecticut State Firefighters Association cancer relief subcommittee reviews claims and approves wage replacement benefits up to 100% of state average weekly earnings for a maximum of 24 months, beginning July 1, 2019.

Requires fire chiefs and marshals to report names and exposure details of firefighters exposed to heat, radiation, or carcinogens during fires to the State Fire Marshal, and mandates annual reporting to the General Assembly on account status and program participation.