HB546 Summary

• Removes the 10-year time limit for death benefits when a peace officer, firefighter, or volunteer firefighter dies as a result of injuries received in the line of duty.

• Provides $100,000 death benefits to beneficiaries or dependents of officers and firefighters killed or dying from duty-related injuries, heart attacks, or strokes.

• Excludes death benefits when death results from willful misconduct, intoxication, failure to use safety equipment, or violation of laws or regulations.

• Provides $100,000 disability compensation for volunteer firefighters determined by the State Health Officer to be totally disabled from duty-related injuries lasting more than 12 months.

• Adjusts compensation amounts annually beginning January 1, 2009, based on consumer price index changes published by the U.S. Department of Labor.