Jim Banks (R-IN)
Parkinson’s Protection for Firefighters Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Parkinson's Protection for Firefighters Act. It updates current federal law regarding illnesses connected to firefighting. Specifically, the bill adds Parkinson's disease to the official list of illnesses that are legally presumed to be caused by working in fire protection activities. By making this change, the law recognizes the specific health risks faced by firefighters on the job.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +6
Would union members be better off under this?
Strongly benefits unionized firefighters by improving occupational health protections and benefits.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Helps older retired firefighters who develop Parkinson's disease after years of service.
- Scored +5
Would retired people be better off under this?
Assists retired firefighters dealing with service-related neurodegenerative diseases.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Health Recognition for Firefighters: Section 2 of the bill adds Parkinson's disease to the list of illnesses deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities. This is a positive step because it officially acknowledges the connection between firefighting work and this specific disease, which could help protect the health and wellbeing of the people who serve as firefighters.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Listed: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — Strongly benefits unionized firefighters by improving occupational health protections and benefits. Would retired people be better off under this? — Assists retired firefighters dealing with service-related neurodegenerative diseases. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Helps older retired firefighters who develop Parkinson's disease after years of service. Would men be better off under this? — Directly benefits the predominantly male firefighting workforce. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Benefits career firefighters who may develop occupational illnesses during middle age. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Aids firefighters disabled by Parkinson's disease by recognizing the condition as work-related. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Provides financial and medical security for middle-class firefighter households facing illness. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? Would people in cities be better off under this? Would women be better off under this? — Supports female firefighters diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill supports firefighters by officially recognizing Parkinson's disease as service-connected, assisting with healthcare presumptions.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — Provides occupational illness recognition that benefits disabled firefighters suffering from Parkinson's disease.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Amends federal law to establish a presumption regarding occupational illnesses for firefighters.
- 6/2/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey