This bill proposes significant updates to the current workers' compensation statutes regarding death benefits for surviving spouses. Under current law, a surviving spouse loses eligibility for death benefit payments upon remarriage. The new bill would eliminate remarriage as a disqualifying event for receiving these benefits, allowing surviving spouses to continue receiving payments regardless of their marital status. This change would apply retroactively to January 1, 2024, specifically for spouses of first responders, which includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics, as well as volunteer first responders acting on behalf of a governmental entity. Additionally, the bill makes several technical adjustments to the language of the existing statutes, such as removing references to remarriage in the context of benefit eligibility and clarifying the definitions and percentages of benefits provided to surviving spouses and children. The overall intent is to enhance the support provided to surviving spouses of first responders, ensuring they are not penalized for remarriage while maintaining their eligibility for benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1046
Senate Engrossed Version: 23-1046