Removing qualifiers related to the presumption of occupational disease for heart problems.

 H-0683.1

HOUSE BILL 1571

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Bronoske, Low, Parshley, Doglio, Pollet, Reed, and Nance

Read first time 01/24/25. Referred to Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards.

AN ACT Relating to removing qualifiers related to the presumption of occupational disease for heart problems; amending RCW 51.32.185 ; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 51.32.185 and 2019 c 133 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) In the case of firefighters as defined in RCW 41.26.030 (17) (a), (b), (c), and (h) who are covered under this title and firefighters, including supervisors, employed on a full-time, fully compensated basis as a firefighter of a private sector employer's fire department that includes over (( fifty )) 50 such firefighters, and public employee fire investigators, there shall exist a prima facie presumption that: (i) Respiratory disease; (ii) any heart problems(( , experienced within seventy-two hours of exposure to smoke, fumes, or toxic substances, or experienced within twenty-four hours of strenuous physical exertion due to firefighting activities )); (iii) cancer; and (iv) infectious diseases are occupational diseases under RCW 51.08.140 .