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, they are required to continue this coverage for the surviving family of an eligible peace officer or fire fighter who has died in the line of duty. The employer must pay the full premium for this coverage, eliminating the previous provision that allowed employers to opt out of paying for the coverage or to require surviving family members to cover any unpaid costs.

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 ensures that these individuals receive necessary health insurance support during their recovery or disability period. Overall, the bill strengthens the health insurance protections for both the families of fallen first responders and those who are injured in the line of duty.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 509A.13C