Virginia governor signs cancer presumption for arson, bomb investigators

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin approved measures making arson and bomb investigators eligible for a presumption that certain cancers are compensable.

Mr. Youngkin on Tuesday signed H.B. 1410 and S.B. 1038, companion measures allowing presumptive cancer coverage for additional law enforcement workers with at least five years of experience. In addition to bomb and arson investigators, the bills also apply the cancer presumption to those who collect and analyze hazardous materials or drugs.

Both measures had unanimous support in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Two more presumption measures are awaiting the governor’s signature: H.B. 1408 would expand the cancer presumption to cover bladder and thyroid cancer and H.B. 1775 would require that first responder claims for anxiety and depressive disorders are covered on the same basis as post-traumatic stress disorder claims.

Mr. Youngkin has until Monday to act on those measures.

WorkCompCentral is a sister publication of Business Insurance. More stories here.