The Sumiton City Council has agreed to spend $4,700 on mandated cancer policies for its firefighters, as many firefighters are exposed to cancer contaminants during fires.
The council acted during its meeting on Tuesday morning, as state Act 2019-361 provides that Alabama local governments must provide supplemental insurance coverage for firefights diagnosed with cancer.
"The bill calls for a lump-sum benefit for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The cap is $50,000 over a lifetime. There is also a monthly benefit of $3,000 for up to 36 months," Alabama Daily News said at the time the bill was passed. "The legislation also gives volunteer firefighters and retired firefighters the option of paying for the supplemental coverage themselves."
It was estimated at the time municipalities would have to pay $200 per policy each year, the news website noted. The Alabama League of Municipalities helped to work on the bill.