This bill amends the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to expand the eligibility for death benefits to include public works employees who die as a result of their duties. The bill introduces the definition of "public works employee," describing them as individuals employed by a municipality or municipal authority responsible for the care, maintenance, or construction of public infrastructure and who may respond to emergencies in an official capacity. Additionally, the bill clarifies that applications for benefits can be made by political subdivisions or authorities created by political subdivisions.

The amendments also include changes to the language regarding the circumstances under which various personnel, including public works employees, are considered to be acting in the performance of their duties. Specifically, it outlines that these employees are deemed to be performing their duties while traveling to or from emergencies and participating in related activities. The bill ensures that the surviving spouse, minor children, or parents of public works employees who die in the line of duty will receive a death benefit of $100,000, similar to other first responders.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1739 (May 21, 2025): P.L.424, No.101