S.B. 21 - Protecting the Families of those who Protect Us
Today, the Senate passed S.B. 21 - Public Safety and Firefighter Retirement Death Benefit Amendments, sponsored by Senator Karen Mayne.
Under current law, if a firefighter or public safety employee who has accrued 20 years of service, but has not yet retired dies while off duty, their surviving spouse receives a reduced death benefit.
This legislation changes the law to so that these employees are treated as if they have already retired, giving their spouses an appropriate death benefit. This will allow public safety employees and firefighters to work longer with the peace of mind that their loved ones will be taken care of in the event of their death.
