Bill H.57 proposes to extend survivor benefits currently available to firefighters and emergency personnel to include law enforcement officers. The bill introduces new legal language, designating the act as "Jessica's Law" and amending the relevant statutes to create the Emergency Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers Survivors Benefit Review Board. This board will be responsible for determining eligibility for monetary benefits, which will be set at $80,000 for survivors of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness.

The bill also clarifies the definitions of "line of duty" for both emergency personnel and law enforcement officers, ensuring that the criteria for benefits are consistent across both groups. Additionally, it establishes the Emergency Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers Survivors Benefit Special Fund to manage the financial aspects of these benefits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-181