Gold Dome Report Week 5 Rep. Micah Gravley

House Bill 146
Throughout my service in the General Assembly, I have to say, this last week was probably one of the most memorable to date. As many of you know, I have been working for the last couple of years to ensure our firefighters receive the insurance coverage they deserve if diagnosed with cancer as a result of their service to our communities. It is with great joy that after years of compromise and work, I announce the passage of House Bill 146, which very fittingly was voted on in the House during Firefighter Appreciation Day!
HB 146 would require fire departments to provide and maintain adequate insurance coverage for firefighters serving 12 consecutive months, unable to work due to a disabling cancer diagnosis. Due to the nature of their work, firefighters are increasingly exposed to cancer-causing carcinogens and studies show that these brave individuals have higher rates of certain types of cancers than the rest of the population. Listed below are provisions of HB 146:

1. Provides for a lump-sum benefit of $25,000 or $6,250 based on the severity of the cancer.
2. Provides a monthly benefit equal to 60 percent of the firefighter’s monthly salary at the time of diagnosis, or a monthly benefit of $5,000, whichever is less.
3. Benefits would begin six months after the firefighter has submitted proof of their diagnosis and would continue for three years.
4. Provides coverage for volunteer firefighters who are unable to work due to a cancer diagnosis.
5. Provides volunteer firefighters would receive a monthly benefit of $1,500 for the same three-year period.
6. Would allow firefighters to maintain their insurance coverage upon retirement or a career change, but recipient would be responsible for paying insurance premiums in those scenarios.
7. Authorizes counties and cities to use tax revenue to purchase insurance for firefighters covered under this bill.

Eligible cancers covered under HB 146 include bladder, blood, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, intestinal, kidney, lymphatic, lung, prostate, rectal, respiratory tract, skin, testicular, thyroid, leukemia, multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
This bill now makes its way to the Senate for review. While we have a ways to go before this legislation is law, I am grateful for the work and guidance of our House Leadership to ensure passage within the House Chamber. I would also like to thank my House colleagues for their support in HB 146. I look forward to working with the State Senate to ensure final passage.