State Representative Micah Gravley (R-Douglasville) announced that House Bill 146 was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal at a bill signing ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2017. HB 146 will require fire departments to provide adequate insurance coverage for firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“Last Thursday was a great and victorious day as Governor Deal signed HB 146 into law before so many of Georgia’s brave firefighters and their families,” said Rep. Gravley. “While these men and women so courageously protect the rest of us every day, they are exposed to toxic carcinogens. With this legislation, we can now provide immediate benefits and protection for our firefighters with cancer and their families. This legislation was a two-year effort, and I am deeply grateful to Speaker Ralston and my House colleagues for their continued support of this legislation through this process, as well as Governor Deal for understanding the importance of HB 146 and for signing it into law. While yesterday was a victory for Georgia firefighters, we also reflected and honored those brave men and women we’ve lost, like my friend, former Atlanta Firefighter Frank Martinez.”

House Bill 146 will require fire departments to maintain insurance coverage for firefighters who have served 12 consecutive months on duty and are disabled and unable to continue to work as a result of cancer. Insurance benefits will include a lump-sum benefit of $25,000 or $6,250 based on the severity of the cancer. Additionally, if the firefighter is unable to perform his or her duties because of the diagnosis, a monthly benefit equal to 60 percent of the firefighter’s monthly salary at the time of diagnosis, or a monthly benefit of $5,000, will begin six months after the firefighter’s diagnosis and continue for 36 months. HB 146 also provides coverage for volunteer firefighters, who will receive a monthly benefit of $1,500 per month for 36 months. The combined total of all benefits is capped at $50,000 per firefighter during his or her lifetime. If the firefighter wishes to continue with their insurance coverage after retirement, the firefighter can maintain their insurance coverage but would be responsible for paying insurance premiums.