House passes bill expanding presumed occupational cancers for career firefighters The House approved HB128 to update presumptive occupational disease timelines and expand covered cancers for full‑time non‑volunteer firefighters, aligning state presumptions with federal research cited in the Fallen Heroes Act; vote was 61–1.

New Mexico's House just passed a groundbreaking bill to enhance workers' compensation for career firefighters, recognizing the unique cancer risks they face in the line of duty.

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Committee backs expansion of presumptive occupational cancers for firefighters The committee advanced HB128 to update New Mexico’s firefighter occupational disease law to align with recent federal guidance and new research, add cancers relevant to women firefighters, set a five-year employment presumption for listed cancers and expand presumptive protections; testimony from firefighters and unions emphasized lived impact.

New Mexico is taking a bold step to protect firefighters by expanding presumptive coverage for occupational cancers, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

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Committee recommends expansion of presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters House Bill 128, which would add cancer types and set a five-year employment baseline for presumptive workers'comp coverage for firefighters, received strong testimony from medical experts, union leaders and affected firefighters and was given a committee 'do pass' recommendation. Witnesses cited modern research and federal action in support.

New Mexico is taking a bold step to protect firefighters by proposing House Bill 128, which expands cancer coverage and shifts the burden of proof away from those battling occupational illness.

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#NM #OccupationalHealth #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NewMexicoFirefighters

Firefighters and unions back SB129 to permit off‑duty medical cannabis for safety‑sensitive employees; counties warn of safety risks SB129 would allow certain safety‑sensitive public employees to use medical cannabis while off duty, preserving employer authority to act on on‑duty impairment; firefighter unions supported worker health and treatment options, while the Association of Counties warned of unacceptable safety risks and liability concerns. Committee recorded a due‑pass motion and asked for further policy details on impairment testing.

Firefighters are fighting for their right to use medical cannabis off the clock, but concerns over safety and liability are sparking intense debate.

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#NM #WorkerHealth #CitizenPortal #MedicalCannabis #SafetyRegulations #NewMexicoFirefighters

New firefighter training law grants leave of absence for volunteer firefighters Eligible employees can receive leave to serve as volunteer firefighters with verification.

New Mexico's House Bill 405 is set to empower volunteer firefighters by allowing them to take essential leave from their jobs to respond to emergencies—could this be the game-changer our communities need?

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New law mandates employer leave for firefighter training and service Employers must grant eligible employees leave for firefighter training and service duties.

New Mexico is taking a bold step to support volunteer firefighters by requiring employers to grant them leave for crucial training and service—could this be the key to enhancing community safety?

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#NM #WorkplaceBalance #PublicSafety #CommunityService #NewMexicoFirefighters