Dear Senator Von Gillern,

I am writing to ask you to support LB 400, legislation that provides responsible protection for Nebraska firefighters who develop cancer as a result of their service.

Firefighting is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogenic occupation, alongside asbestos and benzene. Nebraska firefighters are repeatedly exposed to carcinogens from smoke, burning plastics, diesel exhaust, and contaminated protective gear. This exposure is inherent to the job and unavoidable.

LB 400 does not create automatic liability. It establishes a rebuttable presumption, meaning municipalities may deny claims when medical evidence shows a cancer was caused by something other than firefighting. Employers retain the ability to review medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, and off-duty exposures, and claims that are not duty-related may be denied.

Under current law, firefighters must prove causation while undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, often requiring costly litigation. Nebraska already applies a more firefighter-friendly standard for death benefits. LB 400 applies the same standard while firefighters are still alive and fighting cancer.

Cancer deaths among firefighters are already recognized by the State of Nebraska as line-of-duty deaths. We should not wait until a firefighter has passed to honor that truth. Doing so while they are living is the right and responsible thing to do.

LB 400 is fair to firefighters, responsible for budgets, and predictable for municipalities. I urge you to support LB 400.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
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