An Act relative to disability or death cause by contagious disease; presumption

This bill creates a legal presumption that certain contagious diseases (like COVID-19, Hepatitis, TB, or HIV) contracted by full-time police, fire, or emergency medical workers were incurred in the line of duty, if the worker passed a physical exam when hired and regularly responded to service calls. It allows these workers to claim benefits under Chapters 32, 41, or 152 of the General Laws within five years of leaving service, with benefits retroactive to their last regular pay date. The presumption applies only to diseases transmitted through blood or bodily fluids (excluding the common cold) and can be overturned if non-work causes are proven. It specifically covers diseases the health commissioner identifies as statistically linked to these emergency services.