Bill > H0057

This bill, also known as "Jessica's Law," expands the existing survivor benefits program for emergency personnel to include law enforcement officers. Currently, survivors of emergency personnel who die in the line of duty can receive an $80,000 monetary benefit from the state. The bill broadens the definition of "line of duty" for law enforcement officers to include responding to complaints, investigating disorders, and serving under department orders during emergencies. It modifies the Emergency Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers Survivors Benefit Review Board by adding a representative from the Vermont Criminal Justice Council and a public member representing law enforcement interests. The board will continue to be responsible for determining benefit eligibility through a unanimous vote within 60 days of receiving necessary information. Eligible survivors include spouse, children, or parents of the deceased law enforcement officer, with payment priority given to spouse, then children, and then parents. A special fund will be established to finance these benefits, comprised of state appropriations and potential donations. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and specifically applies to law enforcement officers certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.57