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Missouri firefighter cancer bill headed to governor

Posted On: May. 14, 2021 12:26 PM CST

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A bill that would allow for the creation of firefighter cancer benefits pools will head to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s desk for his consideration.

The Missouri House on Thursday unanimously passed S.B. 45, which would grant three or more employers the ability to create a firefighter cancer benefits pool that would pay out voluntary contributions to paid and voluntary firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer. The bill passed the Senate in April.

The legislation would pay out up to $25,000 to firefighters diagnosed with cancer, based on severity, if they have served at least five years of hazardous duty within the past 15 years, been exposed to a known carcinogen and are under 70 years old at the time of diagnosis.

Under the bill, a claim for benefits from the pool must be filed no later than within two years after the diagnosis of cancer.