Press Room

Bill Increases Access to Comprehensive Screenings Every Three Years

(BOSTON—10/15/2026) The Massachusetts Senate approved crucial legislation today to help protect firefighters from one of the greatest hazards they face by providing access to no-cost cancer screenings.

The legislation would ensure that all full-time, eligible firefighters receive health insurance coverage for cancer screenings every three years during their employment. They would not need to worry about co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Occupational cancer is the most common cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

“Every day, firefighters put their health and safety on the line to protect our communities. We owe them more than our gratitude. We owe them the concrete support and care they deserve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By ensuring firefighters have access to regular, no-cost cancer screenings, this legislation will help detect illness earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and save lives. I’d like to thank Senator Crighton for leading the charge on this bill, Senator Rodrigues for advancing it to the floor, and every Senator, stakeholder and advocate who pushed for these changes. I am proud that the Senate has acted to stand with the firefighters who are always there for us when we need them most.”

“Firefighters deal with it all—repeated exposure to smoke, fumes, and toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in their turnout gear—so they can save lives and protect all of us Massachusetts residents. They deserve to know that we have their backs,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The passage of this bill today is a vitally important step forward to protect firefighters’ health, safety, and dignity. We got here by building on the dedicated advocacy of first responders and families who experienced the tragic toll of line-of-duty illness. There is no question that this legislation will save lives. Thanks to the leadership of the Senate President, Senator Crighton, Senator Feeney, Senator Friedman, Senator Moore, and many others, the Senate is responding to keep firefighters and our communities healthy and safe.”

“Our firefighters risk their lives every day to protect us, often facing toxic chemical exposures that significantly increase their risk of cancer,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “With regular and comprehensive cancer screenings, early detection and diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes and ultimately save lives. Thank you to the Senate President for her continued leadership on this fundamental issue, and to PFFM and all their members for what you do day in and day out to keep our communities safe.”

In the course of their work, firefighters are exposed to carcinogens such as gases, PFAS, diesel fumes, asbestos, and radiation.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that “occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic to humans.”

The legislation would apply to full-time, paid firefighters who are employed by the state, local municipalities, and fire and water districts, and members of fire departments on certain military bases.

Through the health insurance provided by their public employer, firefighters would have access to comprehensive screenings. The exams would screen for a wide variety of cancers, including colon, lung, bladder, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate.

Full details of the legislation are available online in the Senate press room.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill, S.3284, to the full Senate this morning with a 17-0 vote.

After a public hearing on September 17, 2025, versions of the legislation were approved and advanced in December by the Joint Committee on Financial Services (11-0) and in April by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing (13-0).  The House of Representatives passed a substantially identical version of the bill on July 31, 2026.

The Senate passed the bill today and sent it back to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The Senate’s vote today builds on longstanding support for firefighter health and safety. Earlier this year, the Senate approved $250,000 in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to fund a municipal grant program for firefighter cancer screenings, including advanced blood testing and imaging.

Statement of Support

Rich MacKinnon Jr., President, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

“Today’s Senate vote is a momentous step toward protecting the health of the men and women who protect our communities. Firefighters face an increased risk of cancer because of the hazards we encounter on the job, and access to early detection will save firefighters’ lives. We thank the entire Senate for their vote on this important measure, and especially Senate President Karen Spilka for her leadership and Senator Brendan Crighton, the lead sponsor, for his hard work and dedication to this bill. Governor Maura Healey deserves immense credit for making this legislation a priority and pushing it over the finish line. Her leadership has helped deliver a meaningful commitment to the health and safety of firefighters, and we are grateful for her support. We look forward to Governor Healey signing this important legislation into law. Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the public, and they deserve access to screenings that can detect cancer early and give them a better chance at successful treatment and survival.”

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