Bill > H0751

This bill, named the "Deputy Andy Lahera Act," expands health insurance benefits for law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers who are injured in the line of duty or during official training exercises. Under the revised law, if a full-time officer suffers a catastrophic injury (as defined in Florida Statutes), their employer must pay the entire health insurance premium not only for the injured officer but also for their spouse and dependent children until specific age or dependency conditions are met. If the officer subsequently dies, the employer must continue to pay the health insurance premium for the surviving spouse until remarriage and for dependent children under the same conditions. The bill includes provisions to prevent fraud, making it a misdemeanor to knowingly make false statements to obtain these insurance benefits, and requiring reimbursement and forfeiture of benefits if fraud is proven. The bill removes previous language that limited coverage to specific scenarios like emergency response or pursuit, instead broadening the eligibility to include injuries during duty or official training. The legislature declares this act fulfills an important state interest, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/751