The introduction of this bill is expected to significantly impact public health law by outlining new standards for compensating affected firefighters. The compensation will come from a newly established PFAS Trust Fund, which will be financed partially through an excise tax on PFAS manufacturers. This initiative represents a proactive measure to address the health repercussions of PFAS exposure in the firefighting community, thereby enhancing occupational health protections.
Summary
SB4013, titled the 'Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2024', aims to establish a compensation program specifically for firefighters who suffer health issues due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to create a comprehensive framework for providing compensation for injuries and health conditions linked to PFAS exposure, which firefighters commonly encounter through their work environment, such as firefighting foam and other equipment that may contain these harmful chemicals.
Contention
Despite its intentions, SB4013 might face contention regarding the feasibility of securing sufficient funding for the compensation program and the implications of the excise tax on PFAS manufacturers. Concerns may also arise about how effectively the compensation claims will be processed and whether the bill will adequately address all forms of health damage associated with PFAS exposure. Some stakeholders might argue that the provisions for claims and compensations must balance between being generous and sustainable without burdening public resources unduly.
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters, or survivors of such firefighters, for illnesses incurred in the line of duty due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.Under the bill, current and former military firefighters are presumed to have been exposed to PFAS (in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary) if the firefighter was employed at a military installation, facility of the National Guard, or formerly used defense site during a period when PFAS would have been present at such facility.The bill provides that in cases where a military firefighter is deceased at the time of payment of compensation, the surviving spouse must receive the payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the bill provides for the order of distribution to other surviving parties (e.g., a child or parent of the firefighter). The bill also provides that a survivor of a firefighter may file a claim for compensation if the firefighter dies before filing a claim.DOD must furnish the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended to a military firefighter who is receiving medical benefits for an illness related to PFAS exposure. Additionally, such firefighter may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to securing care for such illness.
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters, or survivors of such firefighters, for illnesses incurred in the line of duty due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.Under the bill, current and former military firefighters are presumed to have been exposed to PFAS (in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary) if the firefighter was employed at a military installation, facility of the National Guard, or formerly used defense site during a period when PFAS would have been present at such facility.The bill provides that in cases where a military firefighter is deceased at the time of payment of compensation, the surviving spouse must receive the payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the bill provides for the order of distribution to other surviving parties (e.g., a child or parent of the firefighter). The bill also provides that a survivor of a firefighter may file a claim for compensation if the firefighter dies before filing a claim.DOD must furnish the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended to a military firefighter who is receiving medical benefits for an illness related to PFAS exposure. Additionally, such firefighter may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to securing care for such illness.
Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal ActThis bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters in recognition of their strength, resiliency, sacrifice, and service to protect the forests, grasslands, and communities of the United States.