SCS/HCS/HB 551 - This act creates the Line of Duty Compensation Act which provides additional workers’ compensation benefits in the amount of $100,000 for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, aviation medical crew members, department of corrections employees, and juvenile justice employees who are killed in the line of duty. For coverage to apply, the death must occur within one year of an injury received in the course of duty of the respective profession, and must be caused by violence or accident. Those subject to death arising out of willful misconduct or intoxication are excluded from coverage.
Specific instances of coverage for law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, aviation medical crew members, and paramedics are enumerated including death sustained when traveling to and from employment, and certain off-duty activities.
Burial benefits of up to $10,000 shall be awarded to the surviving spouse or estates of those killed in the line of duty.
All payments under the act will be paid out of the newly formed Line of Duty Compensation Fund.
This act is similar to HB 550 (2007).
CHRIS HOGERTY