Fire fighters in Iowa now have one of the strongest presumptive cancer laws in the United States thanks to the enactment of House File (H.F.) 969.
The new law expands the state’s disability program to cover all fire fighter cancers and is the culmination of years of advocacy from the Iowa Professional Fire Fighters Association (IPFF) working to educate lawmakers about the risk occupational cancer poses to the fire service.
“H.F. 969 will not only make a difference for our members, but it will give their families some peace of mind knowing that if their loved one receives a tragic diagnosis, they won’t be left behind,” said Iowa Professional Fire Fighters President Ryan Hanghian. “This was truly a team effort, and I couldn’t be prouder of our members.”
After securing nearly unanimous support in both chambers of the Iowa legislature, Governor Kim Reynolds (R) signed the bill into law during an event held at the Des Moines Fire Fighters Local 4 union hall earlier this month.
“This legislation is the least that we can do for those willing to make countless sacrifices up to and including the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf,” Reynolds said at the signing ceremony.
Prior to the signing of H.F. 969, only 14 types of cancer were covered for fire fighters under the state’s presumptive health laws. The new law significantly broadens disability benefits for most of Iowa’s fire responders, ensuring they have the support they need should they face a cancer diagnosis.
“Thanks to the relentless advocacy and dedication of the Iowa Professional Fire Fighters, every fire fighter in Iowa will now have the support they need if they develop cancer because of their job,” said General President Edward Kelly. “President Hanghian and his members did incredible work getting this bill over the finish line.”
H.F. 969 will not only make a difference for our members, but it will give their families some peace of mind knowing that if their loved one receives a tragic diagnosis, they won’t be left behind.
Iowa Professional Fire Fighters President Ryan Hanghian
Despite significant shifts in Iowa’s political landscape in recent years, the IPFF has prioritized building strong relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Those relationships, alongside their results-driven political approach, were crucial to securing bipartisan support for H.F. 969 and expanding presumptive cancer legislation this session.
“Iowa’s lawmakers and fire fighters have the same goal – we both want to protect our communities,” said Hanghian.
“I want to thank Governor Reynolds, Senator Webster, Representative Kaufman and all our legislators, from both parties, who came together to make this meaningful change possible.”
