CT SB00937

Establishes workers' compensation eligibility for uniformed members of paid or volunteer fire departments, police officers, constables, and volunteer ambulance service members for diseases including hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis, Kahler's Disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and prostate or testicular cancer that result in death or disability.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that cancer diagnoses in firefighters arose from employment-related exposures, covering cancers affecting the brain, skin, skeletal system, digestive system, endocrine system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, reproductive system, urinary system, and hematological system.

Allows the presumption to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence including: pre-employment cancer evidence, failure to submit to annual physicals, tobacco use in the 15 years prior to diagnosis, employment as a firefighter for less than 5 years, failure to use required protective equipment, or that the cancer is not known to result from occupational exposures.

Permits individuals no longer actively employed as firefighters to apply for benefits within 5 years after their employment or service ends.

Takes effect October 1, 2023.