Alabama2026Enacted
HB247
Death Benefits for Volunteer Firefighters Who Die of Cancer
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 9:06 AM
In one sentence
This law allows the families and dependents of volunteer firefighters in Alabama to receive death benefits if the firefighter dies from certain types of cancer linked to their work, provided they meet specific service and health requirements.
What it does
- Treats deaths from listed cancers as line-of-duty deaths for eligible volunteer firefighters.
- Lists specific types of cancer that qualify under this law, including bladder, blood, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, intestinal, kidney, lymphatic, lung, prostate, rectum, respiratory tract, skin, testicular, and thyroid cancer, as well as leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Requires proof that a physical exam before the firefighter was certified showed no evidence of cancer.
- Sets a minimum service requirement of six years in paid or volunteer fire departments before receiving a cancer diagnosis.
- Presumes the cancer was caused by firefighting if records show exposure to known carcinogens during fire suppression events.
Who it affects
- Volunteer firefighters certified through the Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission or with equivalent certification who die from listed types of cancer.
- Beneficiaries and dependents, such as family members, of those volunteer firefighters.
- The State Board of Adjustment, which handles claims for compensation.
Limits and unknowns
- The law only applies if the firefighter served at least six years before receiving a cancer diagnosis.
- Fire departments must have records showing the firefighter was exposed to known carcinogens during fire suppression events.
- This rule does not apply until October 1, 2026.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Line of duty
- An injury or death that happens while a person is performing their job duties and may qualify them for specific benefits.
- Carcinogen
- A substance known to cause cancer, such as chemicals found in smoke from fires.
- Beneficiary or dependent
- A person who receives money or benefits after a volunteer firefighter dies under this law.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
"This act provides that the death of a volunteer firefighter from cancer may be compensable to beneficiaries and dependents as a death in the line of duty if: (1) a physical prior to firefighter certification revealed no evidence of cancer; (2) the firefighter served no less than six years for a combination paid and volunteer department or one recognized by the Alabama Forestry Commission; and (3) records indicate exposure to carcinogens reasonable linked to the type of cancer resulting in death during fire suppression events.
Official activity
Bill history
- EnactedHouse
- Delivered to GovernorHouse
- Signature RequestedSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Ready to EnrollHouse
- Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1278 (Yeas 30, Nays 0)Senate
- Read for the Second Time and placed on the CalendarSenate
- Reported Out of Committee Second HouseSenate
- Pending Committee Action in Second HouseSenate
- Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation General FundSenate
- Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 548 (Yeas 102, Nays 0)House
- Third Reading in House of Origin (Yeas 100, Nays 0)House
- Read for the Second Time and placed on the CalendarHouse
- Reported Out of Committee House of OriginHouse
- Pending Committee Action in House of OriginHouse
- Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means General FundHouse