House Bill 247 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

State Board of Adjustment, provide death benefit to survivors of volunteer firefighters who die of cancer

Summary

HB247 would extend Alabama’s line-of-duty death benefit to survivors of volunteer firefighters who die from cancer.

What This Bill Does

It would make survivors or dependents of a volunteer firefighter eligible for the line-of-duty death benefit if the death is caused by cancer and the firefighter met specific conditions. Eligible conditions include at least six years of service, active status at symptom onset, a pre-certification physical showing no cancer, and a department record showing exposure to a known carcinogen. If the carcinogen exposure is reasonably linked to the cancer, the cancer is presumed to have arisen in the line of duty unless proven otherwise. The benefit would be administered under the existing framework of the State Board of Adjustment and would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Survivors or dependents of active volunteer firefighters in Alabama who die from cancer and meet the eligibility criteria.
• Active volunteer firefighters in Alabama and their fire departments, who must meet the eligibility criteria and maintain records of carcinogen exposure to support such claims.

Key Provisions

• Extends the line-of-duty death benefit to survivors of volunteer firefighters who die of cancer.
• Defines cancer and defines who is considered a volunteer firefighter for this purpose.
• Establishes eligibility conditions: pre-certification physical showed no cancer, at least six years of service before diagnosis, active member at onset of symptoms, and department records showing exposure to a known carcinogen.
• Presumes that exposure to a known carcinogen linked to the cancer arises in the line of duty unless proven otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence.
• This section takes precedence over conflicting provisions in existing law.
• Effective date is October 1, 2026.
• Claims must be filed by beneficiaries or dependents in the manner prescribed by the State Board of Adjustment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Government Administration