On March 10, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted a letter of information to the Finance Committee on SB 579 – Counties – No-Cost Preventive Cancer Screenings for Volunteer Firefighters.
This bill mandates that counties provide no-cost preventive cancer screenings to each firefighter who volunteers with a volunteer fire company. Screenings must align with the latest guidelines issued by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Counties may satisfy this requirement by either providing a no-cost annual examination that includes preventive cancer screenings consistent with IAFF guidelines or by applying for the Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies grant.
MACo recognizes the heightened cancer risks associated with firefighting and support efforts that improve early detection to protect the health of those serving their communities.
At the same time, the bill would establish a new county responsibility, raising questions about funding availability and program administration, particularly in jurisdictions with large volunteer fire companies. To this extent, MACo has offered feedback to help clarify the bill’s scope and ensure resources are focused on volunteers most directly exposed to firefighting hazards.
Narrowing the definition to individuals who are actively involved in fire
suppression operations would better align the screening requirement with the intent of the bill—to address cancer risks associated with direct firefighting activities. This clarification would help ensure that limited program resources are directed toward those volunteers most likely to experience occupational exposure while also providing counties with clearer guidance for program administration and helping to ensure the scope of the mandate remains fiscally manageable.
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