summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Enacting The "honor Our First Responders Act" By Adding Section 38-71-300 So As To Provide That An Individual Or Group Health Plan Must Provide Coverage Under The Same Terms And Conditions To The Spouse Or Dependent Of A First Responder Covered By Such A Plan In Certain Circumstances; By Amending Section 1-3-470, Relating To Lowering Flags Upon Death In The Line Of Duty, So As To Add An Emergency Medical Technician; By Adding Section 12-6-1172 So As To Provide For A First Responder Retirement Income Deduction; By Amending Section 12-6-1170, Relating To The Retirement Income Tax Deduction, So As To Make A Conforming Change; By Amending Section 12-37-220, Relating To General Exemption From Taxes, So As To Provide That A Qualified Surviving Spouse Also Means Certain Surviving Spouses Of Emergency Medical Technicians; And By Amending Section 59-111-110, Relating To Waived Tuition, So As To Provide That The Children Of Certain Emergency Medical Technicians Also Qualify For Certain Waived Tuition.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Honor Our First Responders Act," introduces several provisions to support and recognize first responders in South Carolina. The bill requires individual and group health plans to continue providing coverage to the spouse or dependent children of first responders who die in the line of duty, with the insurer paying the full premium for 24 months. It expands the state's flag-lowering protocol to include emergency medical technicians who die in the line of duty. The bill creates a tax deduction for first responder retirement income, defining first responders as paid public safety workers like law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians who are members of the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to provide property tax exemptions and waived tuition benefits for surviving spouses and children of first responders who die in the line of duty. These changes aim to provide financial and emotional support to the families of first responders who have made significant sacrifices in public service, recognizing the risks and challenges they face in their professional roles. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (20)
Bobby Cox (R)*,
Bruce Bannister (R),
Neal Collins (R),
Brandon Cox (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Doug Gilliam (R),
Harriet Holman (R),
Brian Lawson (R),
Cody Mitchell (R),
Scott Montgomery (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Fawn Pedalino (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Luke Rankin (R),
Mark Smith (R),
David Vaughan (R),
Paul Wickensimer (R),
Mark Willis (R),
Chris Wooten (R),
Richie Yow (R),
Last Action
Member(s) request name added as sponsor: M.M.Smith, Davis, Pope (on 04/23/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3907&session=126&summary=B |
| Fiscal Note - H3907 2025-02-06 introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/H3907%202025-02-06%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3907_20250326.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3907_20250206.htm |
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