Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

March 19, 2024

S. 728

Introduced by Senator Gustafson

S. Printed 03/19/24--S.

Read the first time April 13, 2023

________

The committee on Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 728) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 23-9-197(A)(3), relating to the Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan, so as to provide that the, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

    Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 23-9-197(3) and inserting:

    (3) "Firefighter" means any person, paid or unpaid, who is a resident of this State and engages in rescue, fire suppression, or related activities, under the supervision of a fire chief or fire department in this State or who is employed by the State Commission of Forestry, South Carolina State Fire, or a forestry district for the purpose of fire protection.

Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

SECTION X. Section 23-9-197(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

    (B) There is established the "Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan" to provide a supplemental insurance policy upon a firefighter being diagnosed with cancer on or after July 1, 2021.  The plan shall provide benefits to a firefighter only if the firefighter has served in a South Carolina fire department for at least five continuous years and been in active service within ten years of the diagnosis.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

THOMAS DAVIS for Committee.

________

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 23-9-197(A)(3), RELATING TO THE FIREFIGHTER CANCER HEALTH CARE BENEFIT PLAN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEFINITION OF "FIREFIGHTER" SHALL INCLUDE NON-RESIDENTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO WORK IN THE STATE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Section 23-9-197(A)(3) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

    (3) "Firefighter" means any person, paid or unpaid, who is a resident of this State and engages in rescue, fire suppression, or related activities, under the supervision of a fire chief or fire department in this State or who is employed by the State Commission of Forestry or a forestry district for the purpose of fire protection.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----