2002 — AB 1847 — Biochemical Hazard Presumption
In the wake of 9/11, the exposure risks facing firefighters were understood beyond simply cancer. AB 1847 was the first in a series of extensions to workers’ compensation presumption laws, later to include blood-borne pathogens (AB 2754, 2008).
2007 — AB 220 — Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights
Having been defeated by CPF in a ballot fight, then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made peace with firefighters, signing legislation to give firefighters the same rights enjoyed by law enforcement. AB 220 gives California firefighters the most sweeping workplace protections in the nation — a tribute to playing the long game and working across party lines.
2010 — AB 2253 — Dallas Jones Cancer Presumption Act
Having waged his own courageous battle against job-related cancer, ex-CPF Secretary-Treasurer Dallas Jones worked to expand cancer presumption to those whose illness didn’t show up until after their retirement. Though he didn’t live to see it, the law that bears his name protects firefighters up to 10 years after retirement.
2014 — SB 1019 — Toxic Flame Retardants in Furniture
As indoor products have become more sophisticated and synthetic, the range of cancer-causing toxins firefighters are exposed to grew. SB 1019 required labels on all upholstered furniture requiring disclosure of these toxic products. Four years later, furniture containing these toxins were phased out entirely (Ab 2998, 2018)
2016 — AB 2164 — Protecting Higher Education for Fallen Firefighter Survivors
Having established a four-decade history of providing UC, CSU and community college tuition waivers for the children of fallen firefighters, some university officials sought to limit its scope by turning down waivers for non-traumatic line of duty deaths. AB 2164 ended this cruel practice, ensuring that all LODD children have access to the education benefit.
2018 — AB 2380 — Restrictions on Private Fire Hand Crews in California
During several of the growing catastrophic wildfires, private for-profit fire crews — serving only insurers or wealthy individuals — were caught behind fire lines, endangering firefighter safety. AB 2380 implements statewide standards governing where and how these private crews operate in California.
2019 — SB 542 — Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Presumption
On the front lines, firefighters see things few can comprehend, and these can take their toll. With firefighter behavioral health a front line issue in the profession, CPF won passage of a groundbreaking firefighter presumption law, as well as confidentiality protections for peer support (AB 1116). The protections are the most comprehensive anywhere.
2020 — SB 1159 — COVID-19 Presumption
As front line medical responders, firefighters were among the first to be exposed to COVID-19, even before the scope of the pandemic became evident. After signing a temporary executive order providing workers’ comp protection for COVID-19 exposure, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 1159, establishing the presumption in law.