Bill > H5139

This bill, known as the "Honor Our First Responders Act," establishes state-funded health insurance coverage for the surviving spouses and dependent children of first responders who die in the line of duty. It defines "first responder" broadly to include law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel, regardless of their employment status (full-time, volunteer, etc.), as long as they are authorized by a governmental entity or recognized emergency services organization. A "line-of-duty death" is defined as a death directly resulting from performing official duties, excluding deaths caused by criminal activity or gross misconduct by the first responder. The surviving family members will receive continued health insurance coverage under the State Health Plan for three years, with the state covering all premium costs, meaning no financial burden will be placed on the surviving family, their deceased's employing agency, or any state political subdivision. This coverage will be equivalent to that of active state employees and will be administered by the Public Employee Benefit Authority, which will also be responsible for ensuring annual appropriations to cover these costs. After the three-year period, surviving spouses will have the option to continue coverage at their own expense, at the same rate as other non-active participants, without needing to prove insurability.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5139&session=126&summary=B