House approves bill to cover medical insurance premiums for survivors of line-of-duty deaths

The House passed HB 24 41 to extend medical-insurance premium support to survivors of first responders who die in the line of duty.

Representative Lowe described testimony gathered in committee from multiple surviving spouses and read excerpts on the floor about the persistent economic and emotional burdens survivors face. "When he was shot and killed in the line of duty, I was left with 2 teenagers to raise by myself," one quote read; another survivor said paying COBRA premiums imposed a substantial burden.

Supporters framed the bill as a targeted, compassionate measure to restore a prior benefit and help families of fallen first responders with medical coverage costs. Roll call recorded 94 yays, 0 nays, and 0 excused; the bill was declared passed.