OH HB17

Amends section 4123.68 of the Ohio Revised Code to establish a presumption that cancer contracted by firefighters with at least six years of hazardous duty is work-related if exposure to a Group 1 or 2A carcinogen occurred.

The cancer presumption is rebuttable if evidence shows the firefighter's exposure to cigarettes, tobacco, or other high-risk conditions outside work duties was a significant factor; that the carcinogen could not have caused the cancer; that no qualifying carcinogen exposure occurred; that cancer predated fire department employment; or that the firefighter is age 70 or older.

Presumption does not apply if more than 15 years have passed since the firefighter's last hazardous duty assignment.

Compensation for firefighter cancer is payable only for temporary total disability, working wage loss, permanent total disability, or death under existing sections 4123.56, 4123.58, and 4123.59.

All compensation and benefits for firefighter cancer claims shall be charged to the surplus fund account rather than the state insurance fund; self-insuring employers must deduct such costs from paid compensation reported to the administrator.