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IN SB0548
Bill
AI Summary
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Amends Indiana Code IC 36-8-12 to establish that volunteer firefighters diagnosed with exposure-related cancer are presumed to have a disability incurred in the line of duty, effective July 1, 2017.
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Creates a legal presumption of line-of-duty disability for volunteer firefighters diagnosed with cancer caused by known carcinogens (as defined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) if they are actively employed or terminated employment within 60 months of diagnosis.
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Exempts individuals who used tobacco products in any form during the five years before cancer diagnosis from the presumption.
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Extends existing insurance payment requirements for disabled volunteer firefighters to those with exposure-related cancers, including weekly indemnity benefits up to 260 weeks (minimum $290/week), medical expense coverage ($75,000 minimum), and lump-sum disability payments of $150,000.
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Allows the presumption to be rebutted by competent evidence and permits related hearings to be held in executive session.
Legislative Description
Volunteer firefighter line of duty disability. Specifies that a volunteer firefighter who is diagnosed with an exposure related cancer and meets other requirements is presumed to have a disability incurred in the line of duty. Applies insurance payments currently required for disabled members of a volunteer fire department to a volunteer firefighter who incurs a disability in the line of duty.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions
1/17/2017