Senate committee advances SB 330 to clarify heart‑disease presumption for first responders

Senator Bradley, the bill sponsor, told the committee that SB 330 “provides clarity and consistency to the existing heart disease presumption for Florida law enforcement, correctional officers, and firefighters” and aligns the legal definition with medical practice. He said the measure also ensures that “law enforcement officers who transfer agencies can rely on a previous physical if the new agency fails to provide one.”

The bill includes an amendment stating the legislature finds the act to be in an important state interest; that amendment was adopted without debate. During questions, Senator Passadamo asked whether an earlier physical should expire after a number of years. Bradley said the bill follows current firefighter practice and pledged to discuss limits further if the committee chooses to pursue them.

Lisa Henning, who signed an appearance form, explained a statutory requirement that ``in order to receive a benefit, you must have a fiscal,'' and said some agencies choose not to carry fiscal obligations, producing litigation and inconsistent court outcomes. Several stakeholder groups, including the Florida Fire Chiefs and other public‑safety organizations, waived into support.

The sponsor closed by saying the bill is important to “make sure that the individual still has the ability to receive the benefits that they rightfully have earned.” The committee then voted to report SB 330 favorably.

The committee recorded no formal amendments beyond the adopted declaration-of-interest amendment; the measure will move to the next legislative stop.