HB340 Summary

• Surviving spouses of law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue squad members, and certain volunteer firefighters killed in the line of duty may now continue receiving workers' compensation benefits after remarriage, instead of benefits ceasing upon remarriage.

• Surviving spouses of these public safety workers killed in the line of duty shall receive workers' compensation benefits for life, removing the previous 500-week (approximately 9.6-year) limitation on benefit duration.

• Surviving minor dependents of law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue squad members, and certain volunteer firefighters killed in the line of duty shall continue receiving workers' compensation benefits until reaching the age of majority, rather than ceasing at that age or after 500 weeks.

• The bill amends Sections 25-5-60, 25-5-66, 25-5-68, and 25-5-69 of the Alabama Code and applies similar provisions to compensation under Chapter 29A of Title 36.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.