Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

3/8/2023, 8:26 PM

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

This bill makes it easier for federally employed firefighters who contract certain illnesses to qualify for federal workers' compensation.

Specifically, the bill provides that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mesothelioma, and specified other cancers of those employed in fire protection activities for at least five years are presumed to be proximately caused by such employment for purposes of a disability or death claim under the federal workers' compensation program. This presumption also applies to federal employees employed in fire protection activities for at least five years who experience a sudden cardiac event or stroke within 24 hours of performing a fire protection activity.

The bill also requires the Department of Labor to conduct a review to determine whether breast cancer, gynecological cancer, and rhabdomyolysis should be included under the presumption and to conduct periodic reviews to determine whether other diseases should be included. In addition, a person may petition Labor to include another disease under the presumption.

An employee in fire protection activities is a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous material worker who (1) is trained in fire suppression; (2) has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression; (3) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishing of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk, including the prevention, control, suppression, or management of wildland fires; and (4) performs such activities as a primary responsibility.

Bill 117 HR 2499, also known as the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022, aims to provide federal firefighters with fair and equal treatment when it comes to retirement benefits. The bill seeks to address the disparity in retirement benefits between federal firefighters and other federal employees by allowing federal firefighters to retire at the age of 57 with 20 years of service, just like other federal law enforcement officers.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that federal firefighters receive the same retirement benefits as other federal employees, including access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Additionally, the bill seeks to address issues related to disability retirement for federal firefighters, ensuring that they are treated fairly and receive the benefits they deserve.

Overall, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022 aims to provide federal firefighters with the fair and equal treatment they deserve when it comes to retirement benefits. By addressing the disparities in retirement benefits between federal firefighters and other federal employees, the bill seeks to ensure that federal firefighters are able to retire with dignity and financial security.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 2499

Introduced on
2021-04-14

# Amendments
4

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/12/2022

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

This bill makes it easier for federally employed firefighters who contract certain illnesses to qualify for federal workers' compensation.

Specifically, the bill provides that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mesothelioma, and specified other cancers of those employed in fire protection activities for at least five years are presumed to be proximately caused by such employment for purposes of a disability or death claim under the federal workers' compensation program. This presumption also applies to federal employees employed in fire protection activities for at least five years who experience a sudden cardiac event or stroke within 24 hours of performing a fire protection activity.

The bill also requires the Department of Labor to conduct a review to determine whether breast cancer, gynecological cancer, and rhabdomyolysis should be included under the presumption and to conduct periodic reviews to determine whether other diseases should be included. In addition, a person may petition Labor to include another disease under the presumption.

An employee in fire protection activities is a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous material worker who (1) is trained in fire suppression; (2) has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression; (3) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishing of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk, including the prevention, control, suppression, or management of wildland fires; and (4) performs such activities as a primary responsibility.

Bill 117 HR 2499, also known as the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022, aims to provide federal firefighters with fair and equal treatment when it comes to retirement benefits. The bill seeks to address the disparity in retirement benefits between federal firefighters and other federal employees by allowing federal firefighters to retire at the age of 57 with 20 years of service, just like other federal law enforcement officers.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that federal firefighters receive the same retirement benefits as other federal employees, including access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Additionally, the bill seeks to address issues related to disability retirement for federal firefighters, ensuring that they are treated fairly and receive the benefits they deserve.

Overall, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022 aims to provide federal firefighters with the fair and equal treatment they deserve when it comes to retirement benefits. By addressing the disparities in retirement benefits between federal firefighters and other federal employees, the bill seeks to ensure that federal firefighters are able to retire with dignity and financial security.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to create a presumption that a disability or death of a Federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employees duty, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Blood and blood diseases
Cancer
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Digestive and metabolic diseases
Disability and paralysis
Disability assistance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee benefits and pensions
Evidence and witnesses
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
HIV/AIDS
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Health personnel
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Musculoskeletal and skin diseases
Neurological disorders
Worker safety and health

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary6/16/2022

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

This bill makes it easier for federally employed firefighters who contract certain illnesses to qualify for federal workers' compensation.

Specifically, the bill provides that ...


Latest Action5/12/2022
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.