Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0057

Introduced
1/22/25  
Refer
1/22/25  

Caption

An act relating to survivor benefits for law enforcement officers

Impact

The proposed law amends Chapter 181 of Vermont statutes concerning benefits for the survivors of emergency personnel and law enforcement officers, thereby legally entrenching the provision of an $80,000 monetary benefit for eligible survivors. This shift could have significant effects on state laws regarding the compensation of fallen public service workers and aims to create a more equitable framework in providing assistance to their families in times of tragedy. The bill's implementation might necessitate additional funding and administrative processes to manage and disburse these benefits effectively.

Summary

House Bill H0057, also known as 'Jessica's Law', seeks to establish and provide monetary benefits to the survivors of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness. The legislation intends to extend similar financial assistance that is currently available to the survivors of firefighters and emergency personnel to include law enforcement contexts. This bill is introduced by a group of representatives, signaling a legislative focus on enhancing support systems for vital public safety roles in Vermont.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support due to its compassionate intention to aid those who serve the community in high-risk roles, there may be contention surrounding the adequacy and sustainability of funding such benefits. Questions may arise regarding the sources of funding for these benefits and whether similar compensation frameworks for other public safety roles are warranted. Furthermore, debates could emerge about the criteria for line of duty designation, as it impacts eligibility for these benefits, potentially raising issues about fair and equitable access for all affected families.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT H0695

An act relating to survivor benefits for law enforcement officers

VT S0235

An act relating to survivor benefits for public works employees

VT H0255

An act relating to exempting all military retirement and military survivor benefit income

VT H0203

An act relating to a report on distracted driving and options for education, enforcement, and conviction

VT S0153

An act relating to creating municipal and regional civilian oversight of law enforcement

VT S0075

An act relating to civilian oversight of law enforcement

VT H0476

An act relating to miscellaneous changes to law enforcement officer training laws

VT H0099

An act relating to the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program

VT H0622

An act relating to emergency medical services

VT S0139

An act relating to the modernization of public safety communications in Vermont

Similar Bills

VT S0235

An act relating to survivor benefits for public works employees

VT H0695

An act relating to survivor benefits for law enforcement officers

WV SB680

Adding Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees to Survivor Benefits Act

WV HB4371

Adding Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees who work at institutions managed by the Commissioner to the Survivor Benefits Act

CO HB1108

Victim And Survivor Training For Judicial Personnel

DE HB340

An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Family Justice Centers.

MD HB601

State Police Retirement System, Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System, and Judges’ Retirement System – Surviving Spouse Benefit – Same–Sex Spouses

MD SB454

State Police Retirement System, Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System, and Judges' Retirement System - Surviving Spouse Benefit - Same-Sex Spouses