Subcommittee reports bill to add lung cancer and non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma to firefighters’ presumptions (transcript: HB 8 58)

Summary

Delegate Cousins presented a bill to add lung cancer and non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma to the presumptive list for firefighters’ workers’ compensation, citing elevated cancer risks; Jennifer Pike of the Virginia Professional Firefighters testified in support. The committee reported the bill by a 7–0 recorded vote; the transcript records a delayed enactment date of 07/01/2027.

Delegate Cousins told the committee that HB 858 (transcript listed as "H B 8 58") would add lung cancer and non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma to the Commonwealth’s firefighter occupational cancer presumption in the workers’ compensation code. She said occupational cancer is "the number 1 cause of death among firefighters" and cited transcript figures that firefighters face a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general public. Cousins said the bill "does not have a direct fiscal impact on the Commonwealth" but localities could see premium impacts and the measure includes a delayed enactment date of July 1, 2027, to give localities time to prepare.

Jennifer Pike of the Virginia Professional Firefighters testified in support and noted the organization was prepared to cover a small administrative fee (described in the hearing as approximately $3,000) to assist enactment. The committee moved to report the bill and the chair announced a recorded vote of 7–0 to report HB 858.

Ending: The committee reported the bill (recorded vote 7–0); the transcript contains a small inconsistency in bill numbering later in the record (see audit).