HB 5451
Relating to survivor’s benefit payment for first responders
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies West Virginia law to ensure that first responders – including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, correctional officers, and National Guard members – receive up to $8,000 in funeral expenses when they die in the line of duty. The bill updates the existing statute to align with current code provisions regarding survivor’s benefit payments for first responders and makes technical corrections. It clarifies the definition of ‘law-enforcement, safety, or emergency worker’ to include specific roles within state and local government.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the definition of ‘law-enforcement, safety, or emergency worker’ to include specific roles.
- Modifies the existing statute to align with current code provisions for survivor’s benefit payments.
- Increases the maximum funeral expense payment to $8,000.
- Specifies eligible recipients of the funeral expense payment (employers or heads of volunteer organizations).
- Requires certification of death occurring during official duties.
- Addresses situations where other funds are available for funeral expenses.
- Establishes a process for providing the draft to the funeral service provider.
- Includes technical corrections to the section.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency medical services personnel
- Correctional officers
- West Virginia National Guard members
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Akers
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