HB 2319
An Act amending the act of June 24, 1976 (P.L.424, No.101), referred to as the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act, further providing for title of act; and adding provisions relating to telecommunicators.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the existing Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to include telecommunicators (such as 911 dispatchers) as eligible recipients of death benefits. It expands the definition of ‘telecommunicator’ to encompass individuals employed at public safety answering points who handle emergency and non-emergency calls. The bill also clarifies procedures for applying for benefits and adjusts the amount of benefits paid, including an adjustment based on the deceased’s salary and potential worker’s compensation or pension payments.
Key provisions
- Expands eligibility for death benefits to include telecommunicators.
- Defines ‘telecommunicator’ as individuals at public safety answering points handling emergency calls.
- Clarifies application procedures and deadlines (within three years of death).
- Specifies eligible applicants for benefits (political subdivisions, Commonwealth agencies, etc.).
- Adjusts the amount of death benefits paid, including a portion based on the deceased’s salary.
- Addresses payments to surviving spouses, children, or parents, depending on circumstances.
- Establishes a presumption of death for firefighters, ambulance personnel, law enforcement officers, and telecommunicators who die from a heart attack or stroke while on duty or within 24 hours after a physical training exercise.
- Defines key terms, including ‘certified hazardous material response team member’ and ‘public safety answering point’.
Who is affected
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Martin Causer
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