Firefighters at Commercial Airports will now be Entitled to Presumptions for Certain Injuries and Illnesses

On October 6, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom approved Senate Bill 230 pertaining to active firefighting members of a fire department that provides fire protection to a commercial airport regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Under the California Labor Code, various classes of law enforcement officers and first responders are entitled to a presumption that certain injuries and illnesses that develop or manifest during the period of service are presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment.

Senate Bill 230 amends the following presumptive statutes to specifically include this class of firefighters.

Labor Code section 3212 [Hernia, Heart Trouble + Pneumonia]

Labor Code section 3212.1 [Cancer, including Leukemia]

Labor Code section 3212.15 [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]

Labor Code section 3212.6 [Tuberculosis]

Labor Code section 3212.8 [Blood-borne Infectious Disease or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infection (MRSA)]

Labor Code section 3212.85 [Exposure to Biochemical Substance]

Labor Code section 3212.9 [Meningitis]

These presumptions had previously been extended to active firefighters that provided protection to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration installation or a United States Department of Defense installation.  It makes sense to now include active firefighters that protect our commercial airports.

These amendments will apply to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026.

It should be noted, however, that firefighters that are Federal employees are not covered by the California Labor Code presumptions.

Presumptive injuries are rebuttable by the employer and often involve highly contentious ligation.  Many presumptive injuries involve serious medical conditions that may affect a member’s ability to continue working in public safety.  For these reasons, it is best to obtain competent legal advice to better understand the Workers’ Compensation system and the benefits that you may be entitled to receive under a Workers’ Compensation claim.

The Mastagni law firm specializes in Workers’ Compensation and in pursuing enhanced Workers’ Compensation benefits for public safety officers.  It is highly recommended that you contact our office for a free consultation if you have sustained a work-related injury or illnesses, or if you simply have questions relating to California Workers’ Compensation.