LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today announced that her legislation to protect the health care benefits of spouses and dependents of police officers killed in the line of duty is headed to the full House floor. The House Committee on Intergovernmental, Urban and Regional Affairs, which Byrum chairs, on Wednesday heard testimony on the plan and reported the legislation out of committee.
"Each and every day, our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line for our safety," Byrum said. "When their lives are lost in the line of duty, their families should not have to fear the loss of their health care, too. My plan will protect health care benefits of spouses and dependents of our police officers."
Under the plan, the state would offer health insurance to the spouse or the dependent of a police officer who dies in the line of duty. The benefits would extend until the dependent's 26th birthday. The benefits would cease if the spouse started receiving comparable health care benefits from another provider.
The legislation is part of a three-bill package to protect health care insurance for firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency first-responders.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to our police officers that can never be paid," Byrum said. "Ensuring that their families are provided with health care in the event of their death is the least we can do. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill and help protect the families of those who protect us."