Senate Approves Conclusive Cancer Presumption for Firefighters

Friday, February 14, 2020 | 0

The Arizona Senate passed a bill that would create a conclusive presumption that cancer is an occupational disease for firefighters.

Sen. Heather Carter

The Senate on Wednesday voted 25-4 to pass Senate Bill 1160, by Sen. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, which would also eliminate a requirement for firefighters to prove they were exposed to a known carcinogen that is related to their claimed cancer in order to be eligible for the presumption.

Carter said she is happy to see the bill move out of the upper chamber so quickly and hopes to get it to the governor in a matter of weeks, according to an azcentral.com report.

While no person or organization is formally opposed to the measure, Carter said some are working behind the scenes to kill the bill.

"As expected, there is this shadow campaign," she said.

State Sen. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, who voted against the bill Wednesday, said he agrees that the system is "broken" and that it should be easier for firefighters to get approval on their comp claims for cancer. But he also said he doesn't think an irrebuttable presumption is the right solution.