Bill S.89, introduced by Senator Vyhovsky, aims to expand survivors' benefits to include the families of law enforcement officers, Department of Corrections employees, Family Services Division employees, and employees in State-operated therapeutic community residences or inpatient psychiatric hospital units who die in the line of duty or from occupation-related illnesses. The bill is officially titled "Jessica's Law" and includes several amendments to the definitions and provisions related to emergency personnel and their line of duty.

Key amendments in the bill include the addition of law enforcement officers and specific classifications of employees from the Department of Corrections and Family Services Division to the definition of emergency personnel. It also clarifies the circumstances under which these individuals are considered to have died in the line of duty. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Treasurer has up to one year to disburse any awarded monetary benefits to the beneficiaries of deceased emergency personnel. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-3171, 20-3172