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Committee reports bill to extend health benefits for families of fallen Lafayette officers
Summary
House Appropriations reported HB 430 (the "MJ911" Act) favorable with amendments to eligibility and duration; sponsor limited the bill to Lafayette after local governments expressed willingness to participate and amendments tie benefits duration to Medicare eligibility for surviving spouses and age 26 for children.
Representative Chasson returned to the committee on April 7 to press House Bill 430 (the MJ911 Act), which would extend health insurance coverage for families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty in Lafayette (local participation required). The bill revises eligibility periods and, as amended, ties surviving‑spouse coverage to Medicare eligibility and extends dependent coverage to age 26.
Chasson said the measure was narrowed to Lafayette after concerns about creating an unfunded statewide mandate; he said Lafayette City Government had agreed to cover a small remaining premium for two local fallen officers. The sponsor said the amendments came from the mayor’s office and were intended to limit local exposure and match local insurance practices.
Committee members requested additional detail and indicated they were willing to co‑author and move the bill; the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorable as amended.
Why it matters: The bill alters local employer insurance obligations in Lafayette by extending coverage terms for families of fallen officers; other local governments could opt in if they choose to do so.
