Nebraska Firefighters' Compensation Bill Falls One Vote Short

Proposed legislation to make it easier for firefighters to receive workers' compensation for cancer diagnoses fails to pass the state legislature.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A legislative effort in Nebraska that could have made it easier for professional and volunteer firefighters to receive workers' compensation for cancer diagnoses fell one vote short of passing on Monday. Legislative Bill 400, introduced by State Sen. Dave Wordekemper, would have given firefighters the presumption that any cancer diagnosis they receive is due to their firefighting duties, shifting the burden of proof to local municipalities to rebut the claim. The bill failed 32-15, just one vote shy of the 33 needed to end debate.

Why it matters

This bill was seen as an important measure to support firefighters, who face elevated cancer risks due to exposure to carcinogens on the job. However, opponents argued it would create an 'unfunded mandate' that would drive up costs for local governments and lead to a surge in compensation claims that they could not afford.

The details

LB 400 would have added a 'rebuttable presumption' to Nebraska's workers' compensation laws, shifting the burden of proof to employers to show a firefighter's cancer was not job-related. This was a first for the state. Supporters said it would make the process fairer for firefighters, while opponents argued it 'stacked the deck' against cities and towns. The bill was opposed by the League of Nebraska Municipalities, which represents the state's more than 520 local governments.

  • LB 400 was debated for five hours across four days in January 2026.
  • The bill failed to pass on March 31, 2026.

The players

Dave Wordekemper

State Senator from Fremont and the primary sponsor of LB 400, which aimed to make it easier for firefighters to receive workers' compensation for cancer diagnoses. Wordekemper is a professional firefighter with 30 years of experience and a volunteer firefighter for 8 years.

Mike Jacobson

State Senator from North Platte who led opposition to LB 400, describing it as the 'mother of all unfunded mandates' that would drive up costs for local governments.

Danielle Conrad

State Senator from Lincoln who supported LB 400, arguing that rebuttable presumptions are common in law and about 'efficiency' in deciding where disputes start.

Tanya Storer

State Senator from Whitman whose district has faced historic wildfires, said it would be 'irresponsible' to support LB 400 without knowing the cost to local fire departments.

Mike Moser

Former mayor of Columbus who said LB 400 'puts the thumb on the scales of justice toward the worker' and that assuming occupational cancer is 'unfair'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This bill is very important to me, on behalf of all of the firefighters, because it's about whether we stand with the men and women who protect us or whether we turn our backs on them when they need us most.”

— Dave Wordekemper, State Senator

“This is just another case where we have another year that goes by, and the paid firefighters are wanting something more than they already have right now.”

— Mike Jacobson, State Senator

“I think they're heroes. I don't think firefighters are coming hat in hand to their Legislature for a money grab.”

— Danielle Conrad, State Senator

“We're taking advantage of a tragedy that's occurred in western Nebraska right now, in particular, with these catastrophic fires. We're holding that hostage and grabbing on to the emotion attached with that and using that as an excuse to all of a sudden pass this bill.”

— Tanya Storer, State Senator

“It favors the unions. It favors the employees. And that's just not, in my opinion, not the 'Nebraska way.'”

— Mike Moser, State Senator

What’s next

Wordekemper said he was evaluating the outcome of LB 400 and had no immediate comment on future plans, such as for the 2027 legislative session.

The takeaway

This failed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over how to best support firefighters, who face elevated cancer risks due to occupational exposures, while also addressing the concerns of local governments about the potential financial impact. The outcome suggests Nebraska lawmakers are still grappling with finding the right balance between supporting first responders and managing municipal budgets.