This bill amends existing law regarding health insurance coverage for the surviving spouses and children of deceased fire fighters and peace officers, as well as for disabled or injured fire fighters and peace officers. It mandates that if an employer, defined as a governing body, a county board of supervisors, or a city council, has procured accident or health insurance coverage for its employees, it must require the continuation of this coverage for the surviving family of eligible peace officers or fire fighters who have died in the line of duty. Notably, the bill stipulates that the employer is responsible for paying the full premium for this coverage, eliminating previous provisions that allowed employers to opt out of covering costs or to require surviving family members to pay a portion of the premium.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that requires employers to provide health insurance coverage for peace officers or fire fighters who are receiving an accidental disability benefit due to a work-related injury or disability, until they reach the age of 55. This provision ensures that those who are injured in the line of duty receive necessary health insurance support without financial burden until they reach a specified age. Overall, the bill strengthens the health insurance protections for both the families of fallen first responders and those who are injured while serving.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 509A.13C