Substitute Senate Bill No. 1239, also known as Public Act No. 25-61, aims to enhance support for the families of first responders who are killed in the line of duty by broadening the definition of "first responder" to include emergency medical technicians, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, replacing the previous term "police officer." The bill establishes the "Fallen Hero Fund," which will provide a lump sum death benefit of $100,000 to the surviving families of fallen first responders, ensuring that these payments are not reduced by other benefits such as workers' compensation. Additionally, the bill requires the Comptroller to submit an annual report on the fund's expenditures and balance, and to adopt regulations for its operation, with a focus on supporting dependent children and spouses of deceased first responders. These provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill updates definitions related to nonprofit and public employment and introduces health care coverage provisions for first responders. It mandates that nonstate public employers providing coverage under a partnership plan for first responders killed in the line of duty must continue coverage for their survivors for one year, with the option to renew annually for up to five years, without requiring contributions from the survivors. The bill also allows for reimbursement from the Fallen Hero Fund for costs incurred by employers for providing this survivor coverage. The changes will also take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-122a, 3-123aaa, 7-313g
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 3-122a, 3-123aaa
File No. 425: 3-122a, 3-123aaa
APP Joint Favorable: 3-122a, 3-123aaa
Public Act No. 25-61: 3-122a, 3-123aaa