AZ SB1157

Eliminates the provision that surviving spouses of first responders lose death benefits upon remarriage, allowing them to continue receiving benefits until death instead of receiving only two years' compensation as a lump sum.

Defines "first responder" to include peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, and volunteer first responders operating in an official capacity during emergency or law enforcement response.

Creates separate death benefit provisions for first responders' surviving spouses and children that differ from regular workers' compensation cases by removing remarriage as a triggering event for benefit termination.

Applies retroactively to spouses of first responders who lost benefits due to remarriage on or after January 1, 2000, making them eligible for prospective benefits but not retroactive payments.

Adjusts language throughout the statute for clarity, including updating terminology from "per cent" to "percent" and modernizing gender-neutral references.