Bill > SB01239

This bill expands the existing Fallen Officer Fund (now renamed the "Fallen Hero Fund") to include firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics in addition to police officers. The bill establishes that when a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their surviving family will receive a one-time lump sum death benefit of $100,000, which will be paid from the fund and is separate from any other benefits they might receive. Additionally, the bill requires that the surviving family members who were covered under the first responder's health insurance plan will continue to receive health insurance coverage for up to five years after the first responder's death, at no cost to the family. The health insurance coverage will be provided through a partnership plan, with the employer being reimbursed for the total cost of these payments from the Fallen Hero Fund. The bill broadens the definition of "first responder" to include emergency medical technicians, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, and ensures that the surviving family receives comprehensive support after losing a loved one who died while performing their professional duties. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and requires the Comptroller to submit an annual report detailing the fund's expenditures and balance.

Budget and Finance, Justice

Public Safety and Security Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01239&which_year=2025