An Act relative to the safety of fire, police, and emergency medical technicians from contagious diseases

This bill creates a legal presumption that certain contagious diseases suffered by specific first responders were contracted during their duties. It applies to full-time police, fire, emergency medical, correction, and court officers who passed physical exams at hire (or later) showing no pre-existing condition, and who regularly responded to emergency calls. Covered diseases include Hepatitis A/B/C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and others with a public health commissioner's statistical link to first responder work (excluding the common cold). The presumption applies only if the disease was discovered after at least five years of service, or within five years of leaving such service. Benefits under this presumption are in addition to other existing claims under Chapter 32, 41, or 152 of the General Laws.