Bill > HB5451

This bill modifies existing law to ensure consistency in survivor's benefit payments for first responders, specifically addressing funeral expenses for law enforcement, safety, and emergency workers who die in the line of duty. The key changes include updating the effective date for these benefits to January 1, 2026, and clarifying that the payment is for those who die "as a proximate result of the performance of official duties," rather than simply being "killed while carrying out" those duties. The bill also updates the name of the state agency responsible for administering these payments from the "Secretary of Military Affairs and Public Safety" to the "Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security." The maximum benefit amount remains up to $8,000, and provisions are in place to ensure this amount is available even if other funeral expense benefits exist, as long as those other benefits do not involve employee participation. The definition of who qualifies as a "law-enforcement, safety, or emergency worker" remains broad, encompassing various roles such as police officers, correctional employees, firefighters (including volunteers), emergency medical services personnel, and probation officers.

Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5451&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill