WV SB826

Changes the responsible authority for funeral expense payments from the Secretary of Military Affairs and Public Safety to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

Modifies eligibility language from first responders "killed while carrying out" official duties to those "who die as a proximate result of the performance of" official duties, aligning with existing survivor benefit statute §5H-1-2(b)

Provides up to $8,000 for funeral and burial expenses for law enforcement, safety, or emergency workers who die in the line of duty on or after January 1, 1999

Covered workers include law enforcement officers, correctional employees, firefighters (paid and volunteer), emergency medical services personnel, and probation officers

Funeral expense funds cannot duplicate payments available through workers' compensation or other state benefit programs, but can supplement other sources to ensure at least $8,000 is available