2013 Senate Bill 211 / 2014 Public Act 515

Establish firefighters’ cancer presumption

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 20, 2013

Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R-10)

To establish a presumption that cases of certain types of cancer contracted by non-volunteer firefighters arose out of and in the course of employment for purposes of granting workers compensation benefits, unless there is evidence to the contrary, and unless the person is a consistent cigarette smoker.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

April 24, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

May 6, 2014

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

May 21, 2014

Substitute offered by Sen. Tory Rocca (R-10)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 32 to 6 (details)

To establish a presumption that certain types of cancer contracted by non-volunteer firefighters arose out of and in the course of employment for purposes of granting workers compensation benefits. The burden of proof would be on the employer to show the disease was due to the individual being a smoker, or to nonwork-related causation or specific incidents. This would all be contingent on the legislature appropriating money for the benefits.

Received in the House

May 21, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Insurance

Dec. 17, 2014

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 18, 2014

Passed in the House 109 to 1 (details)

To establish a presumption that certain types of cancer contracted by non-volunteer firefighters arose out of and in the course of employment for purposes of granting workers compensation benefits. The burden of proof would be on the employer to show the disease was due to the individual being a smoker, or to nonwork-related causation or specific incidents. This would all be contingent on the legislature appropriating money for the benefits.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2014