Bill > S0222

This bill expands survivor and disability benefits for emergency personnel in Vermont by amending existing law to include law enforcement officers in the definition of "emergency personnel" and to establish a disability benefit for those who become permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. The bill renames the "Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Review Board" to the "Emergency Personnel Survivors and Disability Benefits Review Board" to reflect its expanded responsibilities. This Board will now review claims for monetary benefits, set at $80,000, for survivors of emergency personnel who die in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness, and for emergency personnel who suffer a permanent total disability in the line of duty. The bill also clarifies the definition of "line of duty" to encompass activities specific to law enforcement officers and ensures that any disability benefit awarded does not reduce other benefits the disabled individual is entitled to. A special fund is established to cover these payments, with provisions for additional funding if necessary, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.222