This bill proposes an increase in the maximum total compensation for first responders who suffer critical injuries in the line of duty. Specifically, it amends RSA 281-A:32-a, II to raise the cap on benefits from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per biennium for all claimants. Additionally, it maintains that payments awarded under this section will still be subject to all other provisions of RSA 281-A, and individual claimants will still be limited to a maximum of $125,000 for additional compensation claims. The fiscal impact of this bill is noted to be indeterminable, with the potential for an increase in expenditures of up to $500,000 over a biennium from the General Fund. The Department of Labor has indicated that the highest payout from the program in the previous biennium was $350,000, suggesting that while the increase in the cap may not lead to immediate financial strain, it could result in higher costs in the future. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 281-A:32-a