Bill H.57, titled "Jessica's Law," aims to extend the same monetary benefits currently available to the survivors of firefighters and emergency personnel to the survivors of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness. The bill amends existing law to include law enforcement officers in the definition of emergency personnel, thereby establishing the Emergency Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers Survivors Benefit Review Board. This board will be responsible for determining eligibility for benefits, which will be awarded by unanimous vote within 60 days of receiving necessary information.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a monetary benefit of $80,000 for the survivors of law enforcement officers, similar to that of emergency personnel. The bill also creates the Emergency Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers Survivors Benefit Special Fund to manage the claims and ensure the availability of funds for these benefits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-181