Senate amends bill to expand $80,000 line‑of‑duty death benefit to more public servants

Senator Vyhovsky, reporting for the Government Operations Committee, told the Senate that S89 would extend the $80,000 one‑time death benefit now available to firefighters to additional categories of public servants who die in the line of duty or from job‑related illness. He described the measure as an equity issue and said the committee voted 5‑0‑0 to support the change.

"What this bill proposes to do is grant them the same benefits if they die in the line of duty or due to an illness caused by their positions providing a public service to the state of Vermont," the presenter said.

Floor questions clarified who would be eligible and how payments would be handled. The presenter said the treasurer's office has an existing special fund for the firefighter benefit that currently has enough to support approximately two payouts; historically, when the fund runs low the treasurer seeks a legislative appropriation. The presenter also said the treasurer asked for a one‑year window to make payouts in certain cases involving illness determinations, but emphasized the office can pay sooner if funds are available.

Senators asked whether EMTs and paramedics were included; the presenter said the House could expand eligibility once the bill reaches them. Several senators praised the bill as honoring service and addressing gender equity in benefits because some newly covered professions have higher female representation.

The Senate approved a technical amendment aligning language about specific job categories (to clarify that it covers frontline service providers, not administrative staff) and then ordered third reading of S89.

Next steps: S89 was amended on the floor and ordered to third reading; it will proceed toward further consideration in the House.