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Senate updates firefighters cancer relief program to clarify coverage and dispute process
Summary
S.B. 1426 clarifies eligibility, adds skin cancer to covered conditions, confirms state‑employed firefighters are included, and specifies that disputes will be decided by a workers' compensation administrative law judge; funding details provided by the sponsor showed an account balance above $8 million.
The Senate unanimously passed S.B. 1426 on April 30, 2025, making several technical changes to Connecticut's firefighters cancer relief program intended to clarify coverage and the dispute process.
Sen. Kushner, sponsor of the bill, said the revisions reflect lessons learned since the fund began operating and codify that covered cancers should be treated as occupational diseases rather than "personal injuries." The bill explicitly adds skin cancer to the list of covered conditions and clarifies that state‑employed firefighters are eligible for the fund.
On funding, Sen. Kushner cited fiscal notes and recent appropriations: the firefighters cancer relief account is a separate non‑lapsing account that receives state appropriations and investment income, averaging about $617,908 per year in recent years, with a reported current balance of $8,124,758 following a one‑time $5 million carry‑forward appropriation in fiscal 2024 to help stand up the program. Sponsors said those figures show the fund is operating with resources available to pay claims while the Legislature continues to monitor solvency.
Sen. Gordon, a physician, emphasized the scientific evidence linking firefighting exposures to higher cancer incidence and supported the bill as a way to ensure firefighters receive designated benefits. The bill passed by roll call and will proceed to the House.
