AL HB28

Adds coroners, deputy coroners, medicolegal death investigators, and medical examiners to the definition of "first responder" under Alabama Code Section 36-30-1, making them eligible for state death benefits.

Entitles beneficiaries of these individuals to $100,000 in state death benefits if killed in the line of duty, dies from injuries sustained during performance of duties, dies from heart attack or stroke while on duty, or contracts COVID-19 within 14 days of reporting to work and dies from it.

Extends the "direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke" definition to include "investigation of death" as a qualifying stressful or strenuous activity triggering the 24-hour window for benefit eligibility.

Allows death benefits to be paid to designated beneficiaries, dependents, partial dependents, non-dependent children, parents, or the deceased's estate in that order of priority.

Takes effect October 1, 2025.