As presumptions continue to see proposed expansions in workers’ comp, two states are seeking to expand pre-existing cancer presumptions for firefighters by covering additional cancers.

Vermont House Bill 661 would expand the state’s existing cancer presumption for firefighters to cover larynx, pharynx, and trachea cancers. Furthermore, the bill would remove the previous age‑under‑65 requirement and maintain screening and service‑year requirements (minimum five years). Firefighters who used tobacco within 10 years of diagnosis would still be excluded.

If enacted, this bill would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Virginia House Bill 865 would expand the state’s workers’ compensation cancer presumption to include lung cancer and non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma for qualifying first responders with five years of service.

If enacted, this bill would apply to diagnoses made on or after July 1, 2026.