House Bill No. 231, introduced by Representative Chassion, aims to extend health insurance coverage for the families of law enforcement officers and firemen who are killed in the line of duty. The bill enacts new provisions under R.S. 40:1665(D) and 1665.2(H), which require the employer of a deceased officer or fireman to provide health insurance coverage for the surviving spouse for the remainder of their life. Additionally, it mandates coverage for the deceased's child, stepchild, or adopted child until they reach the age of 18, turn 23 while enrolled in school, or become physically or mentally disabled. The bill specifies that if health insurance is offered to active members, the coverage for surviving family members must be equal to that of active members.

The proposed law also includes a retroactive application to January 1, 2017, for health insurance benefits for the families of officers and firemen who died under the specified circumstances. However, the provisions will only apply in parishes with a population between 240,000 and 255,000, as determined by the latest federal census. The bill retains the existing law's two-year limitation for health insurance benefits for spouses and children, but it significantly expands the duration and scope of coverage for those affected by the loss of a law enforcement officer or fireman.

Statutes affected:
HB231 Original: 40:2(G)(1)