HB54 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Russell BedsoleRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Line of duty death benefit, expand to volunteer firefighters who die of cancer

Summary

HB54 would extend the line-of-duty death benefit to the beneficiaries of Alabama volunteer firefighters who die from work-related cancer, with specific eligibility rules and a presumed connection to duty.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill makes survivors of volunteer firefighters eligible for the same death benefit awarded for first responders who die in the line of duty due to cancer. To qualify, the firefighter must have at least six years of service, pass a pre-certification physical showing no cancer, be an active member when symptoms began, and the department must keep records showing exposure to a known carcinogen. There is a presumption that the cancer arose from volunteer service if linked to a known carcinogen, unless the state proves otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence. The entitlement is governed by the existing workers’ compensation framework and would take effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer firefighters in Alabama who meet the specified criteria and their beneficiaries or dependents who would be eligible for the line-of-duty death benefit if the claim is approved.
• Volunteer fire departments and the agencies that maintain records of exposure to known carcinogens, as these records are part of establishing eligibility.

Key Provisions

• Expands the line-of-duty death benefit to the beneficiaries of active volunteer firefighters who die of work-related cancer.
• Defines cancer to include a list of cancers (bladder, blood, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, intestinal, kidney, lymphatic, lung, prostate, rectum, respiratory tract, skin, testicular, thyroid cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma).
• Sets eligibility criteria: at least six years of service; a pre-certification physical showing no evidence of cancer; active member status at onset of symptoms; department records showing exposure to a known carcinogen.
• Presumes the cancer arose from the volunteer firefighter’s service if linked to a known carcinogen, unless the state proves otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence.
• Claims under this section are governed by the existing Article 1, Chapter 30, Title 36, and this section takes precedence if there is a conflict.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Government Administration