Texas House Bill HB50

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to certain diseases or illnesses suffered by firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

Impact

By formalizing these presumptions, HB50 is expected to facilitate access to workers' compensation benefits for affected personnel, thus potentially reducing the burden of proof traditionally required to claim benefits related to occupational illnesses. These changes could lead to wider recognition of the risks faced by emergency response personnel and underscore the necessity of occupational health policies that address these specific vulnerabilities in the workplace.

Summary

House Bill 50 aims to enhance protections and benefits for firefighters and emergency medical technicians suffering from certain illnesses and diseases linked to their occupation. The bill proposes amendments to the Government Code to establish presumptions that individuals who contract specified conditions, such as AIDS, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, did so during the course of their employment. Additionally, the bill addresses acute myocardial infarction and stroke cases by establishing a presumption of causation related to strenuous activities encountered while on duty.

Contention

While the bill has the backing of many community advocates and fire service organizations seeking better health protections for first responders, it may face potential opposition from groups concerned about the legislative implications of establishing presumptions regarding occupational diseases. Critics might argue about the possibility of abuse of the presumption framework, which could lead to an increase in claims that they believe are not directly related to on-duty activities, thereby placing a financial strain on the state's worker's compensation system.