S-237 : Still Just a Bill

The "Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025" (S. 237) aims to expand public safety officer benefits to include exposure-related cancers and make other technical amendments.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Cancer-Related Benefits: The Act amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a presumption that certain exposure-related cancers are personal injuries sustained in the line of duty. This presumption applies if:
  • The exposure to a carcinogen occurred during line of duty action or activity.
  • The officer served for at least 5 years before diagnosis.
  • The diagnosis occurred not more than 15 years after the officer's last active service.
  • The cancer directly results in death or permanent and total disability.
  The presumption may be overcome by competent medical evidence showing the exposure was not a substantial contributing factor.
• Covered Cancers: The bill includes an initial list of specific cancers (e.g., bladder, brain, breast, lung, prostate cancer, WTC-related health conditions). It mandates the Director of the Bureau to review and update this list at least every three years, based on competent medical evidence of significant risk to public safety officers. Individuals can also petition the Director to add new forms of cancer to the list.
• Applicability: The cancer benefits apply to claims for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2020, and disabilities filed on or after January 1, 2020, that are a direct result of an exposure-related cancer. A 3-year window from the date of enactment is provided for filing claims under this new provision.
• Confidentiality of Information: The Act expands the confidentiality protections for information furnished to the Office of Justice Programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. This change is effective retroactively to December 27, 1979, and applies to any pending matters.
• "Line of Duty Action" Definition: The bill clarifies the definition of "line of duty action" under the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020 to include any action performed at the direction of the agency or that the officer is authorized or obligated to perform. This clarification applies to claims for deaths on or after January 1, 2020, and disabilities filed on or after January 1, 2020, with a 3-year window for filing new claims.

In essence, this legislation seeks to ensure that public safety officers who develop certain cancers due to their service receive the benefits they deserve, streamline claim processes, and protect their personal information.