WV HB5451

Amends West Virginia Code §15-11-2 to update language regarding funeral expense payments for first responders who die in the line of duty, changing "killed" to "who dies" and "while carrying out/performing" to "as a proximate result of the performance of" official duties

Provides up to $8,000 in funeral and burial expenses for law-enforcement, safety, or emergency workers who die on or after January 1, 2026 (updated from 1999)

Transfers administrative authority from the Secretary of Military Affairs and Public Safety to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

Covers law enforcement officers, correctional employees, firefighters (including volunteers), emergency medical services personnel, and probation officers employed by or volunteering for state or local government entities

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