Senator Tony Hwang Applauds Passage of Legislation Strengthening Firefighters Cancer Relief Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2025

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) today applauded the Senate’s bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 1426, An Act Making Changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, calling it a critical advancement in protecting the health and well-being of Connecticut’s firefighters and their families.

The legislation expands the current Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to include coverage for skin cancer, extends benefits to state-employed firefighters, and ensures that surviving dependents of firefighters who have applied for relief remain eligible. It also includes key clarifying updates to improve access and effectiveness of the program.

“This bill is about honoring our ongoing responsibility to protect those who risk their lives protecting us,” said Senator Hwang. “Firefighters are exposed to serious cancer-causing risks every time they respond to a call. This legislation ensures that when they or their families face a diagnosis, they won’t face it alone.”

Senator Hwang has been a longstanding advocate for Connecticut’s first responders. He played a central role in the creation of the original Firefighters Cancer Relief Program in 2016, serving in a leadership capacity on the Firefighter Cancer Working Group and co-sponsoring the original legislation that established the program.

The 2016 law created a framework for wage replacement benefits for municipal and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with specific cancers linked to firefighting exposure. It also included eligibility requirements focused on prevention and early detection, including regular cancer screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“With the passage of SB 1426, we are expanding that safety net, strengthening the foundation, and modernizing our commitment to our 1st responders,” Hwang added. “No firefighter or family should be left behind when cancer strikes due to service. This legislation is about compassion, fairness, and doing right by our heroes.”

Senator Hwang extended his gratitude to fire service leaders, advocacy organizations, and legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked collaboratively to ensure passage of this bill.

“This is a bipartisan win for public health and for the brave men and women who selflessly serve our communities each and every day. I will always stand with our firefighters, first responders, and their families—they deserve nothing less.”

The bill now goes to the House of Representative for bicameral passage and then approval from Governor Lamont for final passage.