NC S226

Expands the definition of "killed in the line of duty" under the Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act to include any cancer diagnosis that qualified a firefighter for benefits under the Firefighters' Cancer Insurance Program or the Firefighters' Health Benefits Pilot Program

Currently, only six specific cancers (mesothelioma, testicular, small intestine, esophageal, oral cavity, and pharynx cancer) are presumed line-of-duty deaths for firefighters; this bill adds a seventh category covering any cancer that triggered program benefits

Appropriates $2,000,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of State Treasurer for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to cover death benefits related to this expansion

Makes the Firefighters' Cancer Insurance Program a permanent continuation of the Firefighters' Health Benefits Pilot Program, with administration by the Office of the State Fire Marshal using a third-party administrator

Effective July 1, 2025, applying to qualifying deaths occurring on or after that date