Bill > AB2069

This bill expands benefits for dependents of fallen peace officers and firefighters by amending existing labor laws. Specifically, it ensures that dependents of peace officers, as defined by various sections of the Penal Code, and firefighters employed by local entities who are killed or become totally disabled in the line of duty are eligible for a scholarship to a qualifying institution. This scholarship is intended to be equivalent to a Cal Grant scholarship and will be funded through the state's Budget Act. The bill also clarifies that these scholarship benefits do not prevent dependents from receiving other financial aid or fee waivers, and that certain death benefits, like those from retirement systems or life insurance, will not be considered when determining financial need for the scholarship. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers continue to provide health benefits to the surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty, under the same terms as before their death, unless the spouse opts for a lump-sum survivor benefit, with provisions for minor dependents as well.