Bill H.666, introduced by Representative Bartley of Fairfax, aims to extend the same monetary benefits currently available to the survivors of firefighters and emergency personnel to the survivors of law enforcement officers. The bill is officially titled "Jessica's Law" and amends 20 V.S.A. chapter 181, which pertains to benefits for the survivors of emergency personnel. Key definitions are updated to include law enforcement officers as eligible emergency personnel, and the criteria for defining children, domestic partners, and parents of the deceased are expanded to provide broader coverage.

The bill establishes the Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Review Board, which will determine eligibility for monetary benefits and streamline the application process for survivors. It allows survivors to request benefits within 24 months of the death of the emergency personnel, with provisions for extensions under extenuating circumstances. The monetary benefit for survivors is set at $80,000, and the bill outlines the funding mechanisms for the Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Special Fund, including appropriations and transfers from the Emergency Board. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-181