Committee hears testimony on survivor-benefits bill amid concerns about expanded beneficiary definitions and duplication of payouts

The House General and Housing Committee heard testimony Wednesday on a bill to expand state survivor benefits to additional public-safety workers, with witnesses urging clearer statutory definitions to avoid unintended payouts and potential litigation.

Ashlyn Dwayne, director of policy in the Treasurer’s Office, told the committee the statute that governs the Emergency Personnel Survivors Benefit Review Board establishes an order of payment — spouse, then child, then parent — and that broadened definitions in the committee report could change who receives a benefit first. "I would recommend ... remove the additions to the language in section 3171, subsections 2, 4, 11 and 12," Dwayne said, urging the panel to workshop the expanded definitions on the Senate side to avoid unintended consequences.

Dwayne and Deputy Treasurer Gavin Voyles said the Treasurer’s Office supports the bill’s intent but warned the expanded definitions for…