The bill amends the definitions and provisions related to emergency personnel in Vermont law. It expands the definition of "emergency personnel" to include law enforcement officers certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, employees of the Department of Corrections who provide direct security and treatment services, 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. Additionally, the definition of "line of duty" is updated to specify the duties and responsibilities of these various emergency personnel categories.

The bill also establishes the Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Review Board, which will determine monetary benefits for survivors of emergency personnel who die in the line of duty or from occupation-related illnesses. It outlines the process for requesting benefits, including the requirement for a unanimous vote by the Board within 60 days of receiving necessary information. Furthermore, it creates the Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Special Fund to finance these benefits, detailing how the fund will be supported and managed. 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
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 20-3171, 20-3172, 20-3175
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 20-3171, 20-3172, 20-3175
As Enacted: 20-3171, 20-3172, 20-3175