MN SF4425

Adds presumption that firefighters with disabling cancer caused by exposure to heat, radiation, or known carcinogens have occupational disease, unless cancer was detected at time of hiring after August 1, 1988.

Establishes presumption that firefighters with pandemic diseases (determined by World Health Organization or CDC) have occupational disease, unless exposure was unrelated to employment.

Expands mental impairment protections to include post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis for firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, nurses, dispatchers, and correctional officers, with presumption of occupational disease unless caused by good faith employer actions.

Creates new line of duty benefits statute allowing firefighters who qualify for workers' compensation under occupational disease provisions to receive injury-on-duty benefits under collective bargaining agreements, civil service rules, or employer policies.

Employees entitled to workers' compensation for occupational disease who die or become permanently disabled shall be considered killed or disabled in the line of duty for purposes of other statutory benefits.

All provisions are effective retroactively from March 10, 2020.