Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022
3/8/2023, 8:26 PMSummary of Bill HR 2499
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 2499
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.
