ATF fire investigators would gain job-illness presumption under HR 8863
In committeeH.R. 8863Latest action
Sponsor: Austin Scott · Representative · GA
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Official title: To amend title 5, United States Code, to add certain employees of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to the definition of employees in fire protection activities for the purpose of compensation for certain illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities.
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8863 lets ATF Certified Fire Investigators and National Response Team members skip proving their illness was job-caused.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8863 extends an existing federal workers' compensation presumption to two groups of ATF employees. Under current law, fire protection employees do not have to prove their illness was caused by their job — the government is presumed responsible unless shown otherwise. This bill adds ATF Certified Fire Investigators and National Response Team members to that protected category, applying to claims filed after the bill becomes law.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects ATF Certified Fire Investigators and members of the ATF National Response Team who are federal employees. It does not apply to private sector workers, state or local fire investigators, or other ATF employees outside those two roles.
Why does it matter?
These ATF employees regularly work at fire, explosion, and arson scenes where they can be exposed to smoke, toxic chemicals, and other hazardous materials. Shifting the burden of proof away from the worker removes a difficult and time-consuming step in the claims process for those who develop related illnesses.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 15, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.