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Subcommittee advances expansion of cancers presumed compensable for firefighters

Virginia House Subcommittee (Labor and Commerce) · January 30, 2026

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Summary

HB865 would add lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to the list of cancers presumptively covered under Virginia workers' compensation for firefighters; unions and individual firefighters pressed for passage while self-insurers and counties asked for a delayed enactment for rate adjustments; reported to Appropriations.

Delegate Cousins presented HB865 to add lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to the presumptive occupational cancers covered for Virginia firefighters under the workers' compensation law, citing elevated cancer risk from repeated on-the-job exposures.

Firefighter witnesses and union leaders described personal experiences and urged the committee to expand presumptive coverage to protect families and expedite claims. Representatives of self-insured pools and county associations said they appreciated working with patrons and supported a delayed effective date to allow rate adjustments and actuarial planning.

The subcommittee adopted an enactment-delay amendment and reported the bill and amendments to Appropriations by unanimous voice/roll call vote. The bill will proceed for fiscal review.