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Panel backs bill to redefine linemen as first responders and provide annuity to estates
Summary
SB 19-07 would expand the statutory first-responder definition to include electrical linemen and authorize a $250,000 annuity (paid over five years) for estates of linemen killed in the line of duty; sponsor framed it as a timely measure following storm-response fatalities.
Senator Stevens presented SB 19-07 to include electrical linemen in the statutory definition of first responders and to authorize a $250,000 annuity paid over five years to the estates of linemen killed in the line of duty. Stevens cited the April 3, 2025 death of Chance Carlton while responding to storms and noted the presence of surviving family in the audience, including the deceased lineman's wife and children.
"This...would redefine 1st responder to include a lineman in current law and as a result would authorize the estate of an electrical lineman to receive an annuity in the amount of $250,000 paid over 5 years," Stevens said. Committee members praised the measure as timely; the bill passed committee and will next go to the Finance Committee.
