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 existing 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 awarded to the survivors of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from occupation-related illnesses. The monetary benefit is set at $80,000, similar to that provided for emergency personnel.

The bill also outlines the definitions of "line of duty" for both emergency personnel and law enforcement officers, clarifying the circumstances under which benefits may be claimed. It specifies that the board will consist of various officials and public members appointed by the Governor, and it establishes the Emergency Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers Survivors Benefit Special Fund to manage the financial aspects of the benefits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-181