Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House expands line‑of‑duty benefits for officers and firefighters
Summary
House passed HB 288 to increase immediate support for survivors of peace officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, replacing a $1,500 lump sum with six months' average salary, providing lifetime agency health insurance for spouses (until Medicare age) and dependent coverage until marriage or 26.
The Utah House passed House Bill 288 on Feb. 26 to expand benefits for families of peace officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty.
Representative Ray described meetings with affected families and said current benefits—$1,500 lump sum and limited continuity of insurance—were inadequate. HB 288 replaces the $1,500 payment with six months of the decedent's average annual salary to help survivors meet immediate expenses and maintain COBRA payments. The bill also authorizes agencies to provide health insurance to surviving spouses until Medicare eligibility and extends coverage for children until marriage or age 26. Representative Ray added the bill calls for an appointed agency contact to coordinate benefits and liaise with the governor's office to ensure families can access entitlements and assistance.
Floor speakers expressed strong support and framed the bill as a targeted, humane step to ease immediate financial and administrative burdens on bereaved families. The House passed HB 288 72–0 and referred it to the Senate.
