Iowa Lawmakers Unanimously Back Bold Plan to Protect Firefighters and First Responders Battling Cancer

The Iowa Legislature has unanimously approved new legislation that expands retirement protections for public safety workers diagnosed with cancer, sending the measure to Governor Kim Reynolds for signature. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the House 96-0 in late March and then again 94-0 on April 15 after the Senate’s amendments were adopted. The Senate passed it 46-1 on April 9.

At its core, the legislation acknowledges the heightened risks firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other public safety professionals face in the line of duty—particularly when it comes to exposure to carcinogens and infectious diseases. It presumes that certain cancer diagnoses and illnesses are related to an individual’s service, streamlining access to benefits for affected workers and their families. The legislation also updates how cancer is defined under Iowa’s retirement laws, bringing the language in line with modern medical understanding.

To sustain the costs of these expanded benefits, the measure adjusts employee and employer contribution rates in various state retirement systems. These gradual changes aim to fairly distribute financial responsibility while ensuring that the systems remain solvent and capable of supporting those impacted by job-related illnesses.

Senate President Amy Sinclair spoke with Raccoon Valley Radio about the significance of the measure and the thoughtful approach lawmakers took to get it right. “I will tell you it took some tweaking,” she said. “There’s always some concern when you’re broadening that out, if an individual just spent every single day out in the sun and got skin cancer, probably not related to the work that they do. But frankly, firefighters are exposed to so many carcinogens just in the day-to-day of their work, and it should be on those of us who are relying on them to help cover those costs for those individuals and families.”

Sinclair emphasized that this legislation isn’t just a win for firefighters—it’s a win for their loved ones and for the state as a whole. “I hope those facing cancer now because of the work they have done in the service of their communities will be able to access the care they need and deserve, and not have to worry about that part of the treatment as they face the rough and uncertain times of cancer treatment.”

The bill moved swiftly through the legislative process beginning in late March, with subcommittee discussions, amendments, and fiscal reviews occurring over the course of several weeks. With both chambers in agreement and emergency rulemaking authority included to expedite implementation, the state is poised to act quickly once the governor gives final approval.

The legislation arrives at a time when national awareness of the health risks faced by public safety workers is growing. According to federal data, firefighters are diagnosed with cancer at a rate 9% higher than the general population and face a 14% higher risk of dying from the disease. Certain cancers—such as mesothelioma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer—are significantly more common, with mesothelioma occurring at twice the national rate due to exposure to toxic substances like soot, smoke, and chemicals embedded in their gear. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has even classified firefighting as a known carcinogenic occupation. Against this backdrop, Iowa’s move to provide expanded benefits and financial security for those on the front lines reflects a broader national shift toward acknowledging these risks—and taking action to better protect those who protect us.