The proposed legislation enacts two new sections, R.S. 40:1665.5 and R.S. 40:1665.6, which mandate health insurance coverage for the surviving spouses and children of firemen and law enforcement officers employed by the City of Lafayette who are killed in the line of duty. Specifically, the bill requires that the employer provide health insurance for the surviving spouse until they reach Medicare eligibility and for children, stepchildren, or adopted children until they are 26 years old or if they are physically or mentally disabled. The coverage must be equal to that offered to active members if such insurance is available.

Additionally, the bill allows surviving spouses and guardians of the deceased's children to decline the offered health insurance coverage. Importantly, the provisions of this legislation are retroactive to January 1, 2017, ensuring that benefits are available for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty since that date. The act is designated as the "MJ 911 Act" in memory of officers lost in the line of duty.