Ohio bill would fine municipalities that file Palumbo Act appeals against firefighters facing cancer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal to fine municipalities that appeal firefighters' cancer claims and then lose their appeals.

OH Sen. Tom Patton (R-District 24), who introduced Senate Bill 241 in July, gave sponsor testimony during the bill's first hearing before the Ohio Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology committee Tuesday afternoon.

Patton's proposal would create a mandatory $50,000 fine for towns, cities, and other municipalities that appeal claims under the Michael Louis Palumbo, Jr. Act that the Ohio Bureau previously approved for workers' compensation. The proposed fine would then be paid directly to the firefighter.

The bill would also allow firefighters to continue receiving compensation and medical benefits during the appeals process.

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