TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A proposal to provide increased benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer passed the Florida House of Representatives Wednesday.
The bill requires providing a series of benefits to firefighters diagnosed with 21 types of cancer.
The measure would also help also firefighters pay their bills while undergoing cancer treatment, by including a one-time lump sum payment of $25,000 upon diagnosis.
Under current law, most firefighters must prove their cancer is job-related to be eligible for coverage.
Seminole County firefighter, and cancer survivor, Jazz Zombo says the measure will give her colleagues peace of mind.
"The last few months that you are alive, you can actually spend time with your family instead of trying to figure out how you are going to afford this, whether your family is going to have a roof over their head and have money to survive on," said Zombo.
The legislation now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for final approval.
It got unanimous approval Tuesday in the Senate.
