SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE Oregon State Legislature State Capitol Salem, OR

News Release

March 5, 2009

CONTACT:    Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

molly.woon@state.or.us

Firefighters pack Senate to celebrate passage of HB 2420

Legislation adds to the list of diseases that are covered by workers comp

SALEM – Oregon firefighters packed the Oregon Senate gallery this morning to witness the final vote on a bill that ensures they will not be denied health coverage for certain job-related diseases. HB 2420 expands the list of cancers presumed to be work related and covered under worker’s compensation insurance.

“This bill represents the work of thousands of firefighters that have been tirelessly advocating for their coworkers who are suffering from cancer,” said Senator Diane Rosenbuam (D-Portland), chair of the Commerce and Workforce Development Committee. “While it is tragic that these firefighters risk pain and suffering for the lifesaving work that they do, HB 2420 will help ensure they get the care they deserve in their time of need.”

During the course of their careers, fire fighters are exposed to many toxic substances. Studies have suggested that fire fighters have an increased risk of certain cancers due to their exposure to these substances.

“HB 2420 is only fair to the firefighters that serve us. They put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), who testified in support of the legislation when it was in committee. “This bill gives them some peace of mind that if they develop cancer because of their service, they will be taken care of.”

Current law establishes presumption for several types of diseases, specifically diseases of the lungs or respiratory tract, hypertension, or cardiovascular-renal disease. HB 2420 adds twelve types of cancer to the list presumed to be occupationally driven. The legislation is a product of a group of stakeholders that met during the interim including the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council and the Special Districts Association of Oregon.

The bill will now go to the Governor’s desk for his approval.

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