The bill S.89 aims to expand survivor benefits for emergency personnel in Vermont by amending existing definitions and provisions related to emergency personnel and their line of duty. It introduces new categories of emergency personnel, including law enforcement officers certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, employees of the Department of Corrections, classified family services employees in the Department for Children and Families, and classified medical employees of state-operated therapeutic community residences or inpatient psychiatric hospital units. The definition of "line of duty" is also expanded to include specific duties and responses for these new categories of personnel.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Special Fund, which will be funded through transfers made by the General Assembly, amounts transferred by the Emergency Board when the legislature is not in session, and contributions from other sources. It allows for the transfer of additional funds by the Emergency Board if the existing balance is insufficient to cover monetary benefits awarded when the General Assembly is not in session. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-3171, 20-3172
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 20-3171, 20-3172, 20-3175
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 20-3171, 20-3175