CS/HB 7105 Summary

• Reduces death benefits for law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers from $75,000 to $50,000 for accidental death and from $225,000 to $150,000 for unlawful killing; adjusts amounts annually based on Consumer Price Index.

• Creates new death benefit of $75,000 for paramedics and emergency medical technicians killed during official duties, with additional $75,000 if death results from emergency response; increases to $225,000 for unlawful killing.

• Establishes educational benefits for surviving spouses and children of first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs) killed on or after July 1, 2019, covering up to 120 credit hours of tuition and fees at state career centers, Florida colleges, or universities.

• Provides $75,000 death benefit for Florida National Guard members and U.S. Armed Forces members killed on active duty, plus educational benefits for survivors; benefits paid from General Revenue Fund for federal servicemembers.

• Requires employers to maintain insurance coverage or be self-insured for death benefits; authorizes State Board of Education and Board of Governors to adopt implementation rules; effective July 1, 2019.