Removes the definition of "totally and permanently disabled" from the general law affording college tuition paid by the state to the spouse and children of active members of the police force who are killed or disabled during duty.
Impact
The proposed change in the definition directly impacts the eligibility of dependents of police officers for tuition payments made by the state. Should the bill pass, it could mean that fewer recipients would qualify for state-funded education benefits, potentially leaving children and spouses of affected officers without the financial support needed for their education. This amendment could drastically affect the lives of families who lose a primary breadwinner or who have a family member incapacitated due to their service.
Summary
House Bill H5767 proposes a modification to existing laws regarding the relief provided to the children and spouses of police officers who are either killed or totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty. Specifically, the bill seeks to remove the definition of 'totally and permanently disabled' from the general law that governs the provision of college tuition assistance, effectively altering the criteria under which such benefits are granted to eligible beneficiaries.
Contention
Critics of the bill may raise concerns about the implications it has for the families of police officers who make significant sacrifices in serving their communities. By removing the specific language that helps define disability in the context of tuition support, there are fears that the bill could weaken the overall support framework that aids these families during difficult times. Proponents of the bill might argue the need for clearer definitions that restrict benefits to cases that are unequivocally aligned with severe and lasting disabilities.
Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Increases the killed-in-line-of-duty benefit for active or retired police officer, capitol police officer, correctional officer, firefighter, crash rescue crew person, fire marshal or deputy fire marshal from 40% to 100% of the federal death benefit.
Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.
Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.
Amends 4 sections relating to the workers' compensation benefits dealing with increasing the amount of dependent benefits payable to a totally disabled employee comprising this year's annual omnibus bill.
Amends 4 sections relating to the workers' compensation benefits dealing with increasing the amount of dependent benefits payable to a totally disabled employee comprising this year's annual omnibus bill.