Extends Cancer Job Claims for Firefighters
Virginia · HB865 · Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Why it matters
Firefighters and certain other workers with lung cancer or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma could more easily get workers' compensation benefits if diagnosed before July 1, 2027.
What it does
- Covers lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for workers diagnosed before July 1, 2027, instead of before July 1, 2026
- Presumes these cancers are job-related for firefighters and certain state and emergency workers with five years of service
- Keeps the same five-year service requirement and the prior physical exam rules for these cancers
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would extend the deadline for job-related lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma claims for certain firefighters and public safety workers to July 1, 2027. The presumption still applies only to workers with five years of service.
Workers' compensation; presumption of compensability for certain cancers.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Firefighter and first responder groups would likely say cancer is a known job risk for these workers. They would say the later cutoff gives more workers time to qualify.
💬 The case against
Some employers and insurers would likely say the change raises costs. They may argue it weakens the need for proof that the cancer came from the job.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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