occupational disease; proximate cause; melanoma

Arizona's SB 1129 amends workers' compensation law to create a presumption that melanoma and certain other cancers (like brain, colon, or leukemia) are occupational diseases for peace officers. It directly affects peace officers who developed these cancers after working at least five years in hazardous duty roles (e.g., SWAT or hazardous materials units), provided they had no cancer evidence before employment. The bill presumes the cancer arose from work if the officer was diagnosed while currently employed or within 15 years of retirement (if under age 65), unless tobacco use outside work contributed significantly to respiratory cancers. This changes how claims are evaluated, shifting the burden to employers to prove non-occupational causes for listed cancers.