Committee approves substitute to extend line-of-duty benefits to state employees' survivor coverage

Senator Owens presented a second substitute of Senate Bill 255 to clarify that state employees who die in the line of duty are eligible for continued survivor health benefits, including dental and vision, under the statutory line-of-duty death benefit.

Chief Brian Williams of the Lone Peak Police Department and representatives of the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial described the measure as a technical fix prompted by a recent officer death. Williams said agencies found that some health benefits paid by an agency in the year after a death — including dental and vision — could be removed after 12 months; the substitute would make clear such benefits continue for survivors.

Colonel Mike Rapich of the Utah Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety told the committee the substitute will immediately help two surviving spouses within his agency and strongly supported the change.

Committee members discussed whether municipalities had declined survivor benefits in the past; the sponsor said the language was meant to prevent accountants from inadvertently reducing survivor coverage. Representative Peterson moved to adopt the second substitute; the committee adopted the substitute and then voted to pass the bill out with a favorable recommendation to the floor. A fiscal note of roughly $15,500 was mentioned during debate.

Senator Owens said the change honors the expectation that survivors of officers killed in the line of duty will continue to receive benefits paid by the agency and expressed appreciation for the committee’s support.