ColoradoProposal would presume listed cancers are work-related for firefighters
The vetoed proposal would presume listed cancers were work-related for eligible firefighters’ compensation claims, unless an employer met specific standards to rebut that presumption.
What it does
Eligible firefighters with a listed cancer could have it presumed work-related for a compensation claim. An employer could rebut that presumption only with clear and convincing medical evidence.
Argument forEligible firefighters with cancer could have an easier path to workers’ compensation because the proposal would presume their cancer was work-related unless strong medical evidence rebuts that link.
Argument againstEmployers could find it harder to contest claims because they would need clear and convincing medical evidence to show a covered cancer was unrelated to firefighting.
More detail
The proposal would presume that a covered firefighter’s cancer is work-related for workers’ compensation claims. The proposal covers full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, including seasonal wildland firefighters and people who combine covered fire service. They must have at least five years of cumulative service and be serving when diagnosed, or have left service within the allowed period. Listed cancers include lung, bladder, and breast cancer. An employer could rebut the presumption with clear and convincing medical evidence that the firefighter knowingly and intentionally falsified information about a preexisting condition during hiring, or that a nonwork event alone caused the cancer. Tobacco use, genetic risk, family history, or lack of a preemployment medical screening or exam alone would not be enough to rebut the presumption. The proposal would apply to claims filed on or after its effective date. It specified an August 12, 2026 effective date if the legislature adjourned on May 13, 2026, subject to a possible referendum.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 3Governor Jared Polis VetoedLatest
- May 27Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- May 26Signed by the President of the SenateMajor
- May 26Signed by the Speaker of the HouseMajor
- May 13Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
- Vote recorded CONCUR. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded REPASS. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded CONCUR. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded REPASS. Result: pass.Upper
- May 12House Third Reading Passed - No AmendmentsPassed House
- Vote recorded BILL. Result: pass.Lower
- May 11House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Floor
- Vote recorded AMD (H.001). Result: fail.Lower
- May 9House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Unamended to House Committee of the WholeMinor
- Vote recorded Refer Senate Bill 26-184 to the Committee of the Whole. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Refer Senate Bill 26-184 to the Committee of the Whole. Result: pass.Lower
- May 7Senate Third Reading Passed - No AmendmentsPassed Senate
- Vote recorded BILL. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded BILL. Result: pass.Upper
- May 7Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans AffairsMinor
- May 6Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
- May 5Senate Committee on Business, Labor, & Technology Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the WholeMinor
- Vote recorded Adopt amendment L.001. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Refer Senate Bill 26-184, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 29Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Business, Labor, & TechnologyIntroduced
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