IL HB4435

Amends Illinois Pension Code Section 6-151.1 to add contagious staph infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), to the list of occupational diseases for which firefighters may receive disability benefits.

Expands eligibility for occupational disease disability benefits to active firefighters with 7 or more years of service who are unable to perform duties due to MRSA or other contagious staph infections resulting from their service.

Requires pre-employment medical examinations for firefighters hired after the amendment's effective date to screen for MRSA and other specified conditions; those with such conditions are ineligible for occupational disease disability benefits unless a subsequent examination shows the condition has cleared.

Maintains existing benefit structure: occupational disease disability benefit set at 65% of salary at time of removal from payroll, with a minimum of 50% of current rank salary for benefits paid for at least 10 years, plus child disability benefits up to 75% total salary replacement.

Declares that the state is not required to reimburse local governments for costs associated with implementing this amendment under the State Mandates Act.