Committee approves bill requiring notice to guardians, one‑time window for injured officers

House Bill 1128, presented by the governor’s floor leader, would amend provisions of Title 34 and Title 35 to require that required notices about workers'‑compensation and indemnification benefits also be sent to a legal guardian when a public servant is incapacitated.

Sponsor Floor Leader Seabaugh said the change addresses procedural gaps that can prevent otherwise eligible public servants from receiving timely notice of benefits when they cannot manage their affairs due to traumatic injuries. He described the bill as limited in scope and explicitly "not an expansion of eligibility," noting it also creates a one‑time application window for officers who sustained organic brain injuries prior to July 1, 2024 and could not file because of incapacity.

Members asked how many individuals might benefit; the sponsor said the committee knew of one person at present who could apply under the measure. The committee moved and passed the bill by voice vote.

Supporters said the change is an administrative due‑process correction to ensure families and guardians are informed of existing statutory benefits.