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Senate passes Wade Cannon Act to require periodic cancer screenings for firefighters
Summary
The Senate approved House Bill 198 to require political subdivisions to provide confidential occupational cancer screenings for firefighters annually after five years of service, a change supporters said could improve early detection and outcomes.
The Texas Senate passed House Bill 198, known on the floor as the Wade Cannon Act, which requires political subdivisions to provide periodic, confidential cancer screenings for firefighters after five years of employment and annually thereafter.
Senator Parker carried the bill on the Senate floor and cited local cases of firefighters who developed cancer, saying occupational exposures put firefighters at elevated risk. The measure mandates confidentiality for screenings and allows departments that already offer comprehensive screening programs to continue.
Supporters argued early detection can save lives; senators discussed ensuring screening programs cover relevant cancers for women as the firefighting workforce diversifies. Floor remarks stated the bill would take effect in June 2026.
The Senate recorded final passage with a roll call of 31 ayes, 0 nays. The sponsor said the bill is intended to be a practical, statewide baseline for firefighter health screenings and that additional implementation details will be worked out by agencies and local governments.
