NC H520

Creates a presumption that nine specific cancers are occupational diseases for firefighters employed by units of local government covered by workers' compensation: esophageal, intestinal, rectal, testicular, brain, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, mesothelioma, and oral cavity cancers.

Establishes presumed eligibility for compensation if a firefighter either had a clean pre-employment physical examination and completed at least five years of service, or had no pre-employment physical and completed at least five continuous years of service before January 1, 2017.

Shifts burden of proof to the unit of local government to demonstrate by preponderance of competent evidence that a cancer was caused by something other than firefighting duties in order to deny compensation.

Applies only to paid, partially paid, or volunteer firefighters of local government units, not state or federal firefighters.

Takes effect upon enactment and applies to all workers' compensation claims filed on or after that date.