Firefighter Cancer Bill amended

May 8, 2024

It’s a great day for the South Carolina fire service.

Today the South Carolina General Assembly passed S728 to remove the residency requirement found in the Firefighter Cancer Healthcare Benefit Plan Section 23-9-197(A)(3) of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

“On behalf of the South Carolina fire service, I extend an enormous thank you to the South Carolina General Assembly and Governor Henry McMaster for their continued support of our firefighters,” President Malcolm Burns said. “We are especially grateful to the sponsors and co-sponsors of both the House and Senate bills that addressed removing the residency requirement in the plan.”

Under S728, South Carolina firefighters are eligible to participate in the Firefighter Cancer Healthcare Benefit Plan if they were diagnosed with cancer on or after July 1, 2021, they have served in a South Carolina fire department for at least five continuous years, and been in active service within ten years of diagnosis. The bill also adds coverage for employees at South Carolina State Fire.

“The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association has been an advocate for removing the residency requirement since S.1071, Rat. 165, Act 168 (Cancer Healthcare Benefit Plan) was signed into law in 2020. Members of South Carolina fire departments who meet the service and diagnosis requirements, regardless of where they decide to live during active duty or in retirement, should be included in the Firefighter Cancer Healthcare Benefit Plan,” President Burns remarked.

South Carolina Firefighters Foundation Chair and City of Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano applauds the legislature for including coverage for all firefighters who meet the eligibility and diagnosis requirements no matter where they live.

“Fifty percent of our firefighters in the City of Gaffney are from North Carolina,” Chief Caggiano stated. “These men and women show up and risk their lives for the citizens of our great state. They deserve the benefit just like our firefighters who live in South Carolina. We are grateful to all our legislators who supported this needed legislation.”

The bill will be sent to Governor McMaster for action.