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Committee hears firefighter cancer coverage bill; unions and members urge prevention, detection and treatment support
Summary
Senate Committee heard SB 208, a bill sponsored by Senator Kreider to explore group coverage and other protections for firefighters with occupational cancers; testimony cited studies linking firefighting to higher cancer risk and urged investment in screenings and care.
Senators heard testimony on Senate Bill 208, a proposal from Senator Kreider that would seek to address occupational cancer among firefighters through expanded coverage, risk reduction and early detection programs. The bill was heard but not voted on.
Senator Kreider described firefighting as "one of the probably the most hazardous occupations" and said the bill aims to cover active, retired and disabled firefighters while exploring group coverage options to reduce local fiscal burdens. He cited exposures such as formaldehyde and PFAS in turnout gear and said the proposal is intended to improve access to protections and treatment.
Tony Murray, representing the Career Fire Service, said the bill focuses on three elements: risk reduction, early detection and care and treatment. Murray noted scientific studies and referenced the Pinkerton study, saying firefighters face elevated cancer risk; he spelled out screening and early‑detection programs and urged consideration of investments to offset clinical costs. Murray said a number of departments provided screening last year and that screenings identified hundreds of high‑risk findings, information he presented as part of his testimony.
Larry Krell, lobbyist for Indiana Voluntary Firefighters, also spoke in support and referenced national examples including fatalities tied to 9/11 exposures.
Committee members voiced support and asked to be added to the bill; members also requested more detail on costs and how any program would affect local units. The chair said the committee will continue discussions and hopes to develop a fuller proposal in a future session.
