Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Amendment Adopted

03/21/24

S. 728

Introduced by Senator Gustafson

S. Printed 03/21/24--S.

Read the first time April 13, 2023

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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.

    Amend Title To Conform

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, South Carolina State Fire, or a forestry district for the purpose of fire protection.

SECTION 2.  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.

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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