Bill > H0575

This bill expands survivor and disability benefits for emergency personnel in Vermont by including law enforcement officers in the definition of "emergency personnel" eligible for these benefits. It amends existing law to allow the Emergency Personnel Survivors and Disability Benefits Review Board to award monetary benefits not only to survivors of emergency personnel who die in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness, but also to emergency personnel who suffer a "permanent total disability," meaning a disability as defined by Vermont law that prevents them from performing any work. The bill also clarifies the definition of "line of duty" to encompass activities specific to law enforcement officers, such as responding to complaints or disorders, and establishes that any benefits awarded will not reduce other state or federal benefits the disabled individual may be entitled to. The bill also makes provisions for the funding of these benefits through a special fund, which can receive appropriations, transfers from the Emergency Board when the legislature is not in session, and other contributions, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.575