The Nebraska Business and Labor Committee convened on September 5, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding firefighter health and safety, particularly the impact of cancer on those serving in the line of duty. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed LB 400, which aims to reform the workers' compensation system to better support firefighters diagnosed with cancer.

John Corrigan, representing the Nebraska Professional Firefighters, emphasized the urgent need for legislative change, citing the alarming statistic that one in five firefighters in his group has been diagnosed with cancer. He argued that the current system places an undue burden on firefighters to prove their illnesses are work-related, often leading to claim denials due to a lack of medical evidence. LB 400 seeks to shift this burden to employers, requiring them to demonstrate that a firefighter's cancer is not linked to their occupational exposure.

Gary Bruns, president of the Nebraska Professional Firefighters Association, criticized the existing Firefighter Cancer Benefit Act of 2021, stating that it has failed to provide any benefits since its passage. He highlighted that the law's optional nature has led municipalities to avoid offering necessary cancer benefits. In contrast, LB 400 proposes a more effective approach by establishing rebuttable presumptions for 26 types of cancer, supported by scientific evidence linking specific carcinogens to these diseases.

Both Corrigan and Bruns stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, arguing that LB 400 could lead to cost savings for municipalities by reducing the need for expensive late-stage interventions and minimizing the financial burden of recruiting and training new firefighters after cancer-related deaths.

The committee's discussions underscored the pressing need for legislative action to protect firefighters and ensure they receive the support they deserve. As the committee continues to evaluate LB 400, the implications of this legislation could significantly impact the health and safety of firefighters across Nebraska, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve and protect the community.