Committee advances firefighter cancer registry bill amid questions about voluntariness and data sharing

House Bill 2917 would direct the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish and administer a firefighter cancer registry to collect exposure histories, dates of diagnosis, job assignments and aggregate data for research and policy. Proponents—professional and district firefighter associations—testified the registry fills gaps that workers' compensation and general ADHS cancer data do not capture because those sources do not link diagnoses to specific occupational exposures and assignments.

Tom Corretto, executive vice president of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona, described the registry as HIPAA‑compliant, voluntary and necessary to identify occupational exposure risks and refine presumptive‑coverage policy. He said the intent was not to mandate participation. Mary Dalton of the Arizona Fire District Association echoed support and also stated the expectation of voluntary participation.

Several members raised concerns after reading draft language that appears to require participation from firefighters diagnosed while employed or after separation and that requires health‑care providers to report to the department. Representative Collin and others said those sections read mandatory and urged a written amendment clarifying consent, voluntariness, and limits on data sharing. Proponents acknowledged drafting inconsistencies and said they would accept amendments to ensure the registry remains voluntary and protects privacy.

The committee moved HB2917 with a due‑pass recommendation; members said they expected clarifying amendments to be drafted and circulated before floor consideration. The committee reported a final procedural tally reported as 12 ayes, 1 nay, 1 present and 1 absent.