AK HB5

Establishes a line-of-duty-death survivor health benefit fund administered by the Department of Public Safety to reimburse health insurance premiums for surviving spouses and dependent children of state-employed peace officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty.

Surviving spouses are eligible for fund coverage until they obtain health benefits through employment, become eligible for public employee retirement system benefits, or reach age 65, whichever occurs first.

Dependent children are eligible for fund coverage until they obtain health benefits through employment or reach age 26, whichever occurs first.

Municipalities may voluntarily participate in the fund by entering into agreements with the commissioner and making required contributions based on anticipated participation costs.

Fund consists of legislative appropriations and donations; money does not lapse and may be spent without further appropriation; takes effect July 1, 2017.