BILL NUMBER: S4049

SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the volunteer firefighters' benefit law, in relation to
coverage for cancer screenings

 
PURPOSE:

Relates to coverage for cancer screenings for volunteer firefighters

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the volunteer firefighters' (q), which requires fire-
fighters to undergo a cancer screening upon entry into service to a and
annually thereafter, as determined by the law by adding a new paragraph
comprehensive, state-funded fire department or fire company Commissioner
of Health.

Section 2: Sets Effective Date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The volunteer fire service ranks over the past ten years have decreased.
The need to provide our communities with healthy firefighters to answer
the call is what New York State should be doing to retain a healthy
volunteer force within our communities.  Since 2015, cancer has been
considered an epidemic by the fire service. Most recent statistics have
shown that an increase in firefighters having cancer is on the rise.
Volunteer firefighters deal with increasing dangers encompassing more
than just knocking down deadly flames. These dangers also include
significant risks to mental and physical health, including occupational
cancer.  Occupational cancer is a danger that not only affects the fire-
fighter but also extends to their family, the community, and the depart-
ment they serve. This legislation will work to ensure the safety of our
firefighters by providing cancer screenings upon entry to the force and
annually thereafter.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023: N/A

2024: S8340A, Amend and Recommit to Local Government

Assembly

2023: A8466A, Referred to Local Governments

2024: A8466A, Amend and Recommit to Ways and Means

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Fiscal implication to the state under Article 2 of the Volunteer Fire-
fighters Benefit Law

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.