Committee advances bill making certain heart conditions presumptive for firefighters, law enforcement

The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee on Jan. 28 voted to report House Bill 15 71 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation, advancing a proposal to make certain heart conditions presumptively occupational for firefighters and some law enforcement officers.

Vice Chair Scott moved the bill out of committee. Representative Bernofsky, speaking in favor on final passage, said the measure would recognize the cumulative stress, exposures and carcinogens that these professions face and make it easier for affected workers and their families to access benefits. “I think it's reasonable to make these kinds of conditions presumptive based upon the stress and the hardships and the exposures,” Bernofsky said.

Representative McIntyre described wrestling with the underlying principles but said he would vote yes after research and reflection. Representative Ortiz Self said her yes vote was motivated by constituents who struggled to obtain benefits following a spouse’s death. Opponents were limited; one member voiced concerns during debate but the roll call showed a majority in favor.

Staff told the committee the bill would remove the current timing qualifiers in statute that limit the presumption to heart problems occurring within 72 hours of smoke/fume exposure or within 24 hours of strenuous duty-related exertion.

The committee conducted an expedited roll-call vote. Staff announced the result as eight ayes and one nay. By that vote, HB 15 71 was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

The committee did not take further floor action in this meeting. The bill’s next steps will follow the Legislature’s established scheduling and referral process.