House Bill 797 has recently been passed in both the Pennsylvania House and Senate. This Bill proposes a law that focuses on firefighters who work to protect our communities. Specifically, the Bill is designed to allow firefighters to collect workers’ compensation benefits if they develop cancer directly related to fire or hazmat exposure while working as a firefighter.
To be eligible, however, a firefighter must be involved in continuous firefighting duties for four or more years and have successfully passed a cancer free physical exam prior to engaging in firefighting duties. Supporters of the Bill feel there is no greater tragedy than a firefighter who, after retirement, develops cancer that was obtained while protecting our communities. They are hopeful that the Governor will pass this Bill. It was presented on June 28th but there is no time table for its consideration.