MI SB0109

Amends the Worker's Disability Compensation Act to include respiratory and heart diseases for specified public safety employees (firefighters, police officers, sheriffs, state police, conservation officers, and motor carrier enforcement officers) that develop during active service and result from job duties.

Creates a presumption that respiratory and heart diseases arise out of employment for covered employees in the absence of affirmative evidence of non-work-related causation or specific incidents establishing an independent cause.

Extends coverage for firefighters and public fire authority members employed 60 months or more to include respiratory tract, bladder, skin, brain, kidney, blood, and lymphatic cancers, provided they were exposed to fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services hazards.

Allows cancer claims to be denied if evidence shows the firefighter was a consistent smoker of cigarettes or tobacco products within 5 years immediately preceding the claim filing date.

Requires claimants to first apply for available pension benefits before claiming workers' compensation benefits; if pension benefits are denied, the presumption of occupational injury applies and medical expense coverage under section 315 becomes available.