Bill Would Double Benefit Duration for First Responders' Presumptive Cancer Claims

Temporary disability benefits for first responders suffering from cancer would be extended to 240 weeks from 120 weeks, under recently introduced legislation. The measure introduced Wednesday by Senate President Toni Atkins would also establish a penalty of up to $100,000 when liability for injuries presumed compensable for first responders are unreasonably rejected, and it would shorten the time employers have to reject liability for a claim before the injury is presumed compensable. Senate Bill 1127, by Atkins, D-San Diego, would roll back the clock on TD benefit duration for first re...