On Friday, legislators, law enforcement and detention personnel, firefighters and a widow of a fallen officer joined together to celebrate a milestone in legislation protecting the families of fallen first responders. HB 2204 (law enforcement; surviving spouse; insurance), sponsored by Representative Bob Robson (R-Dist. 18), was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer.
As the bill was passed with an emergency clause, it will immediately extend health insurance benefits for family members of fallen law enforcement officers and expand already existing statute to include firefighters and correction officers as well.
Current statute makes the benefits available for up to one year after the death of the insured law enforcement officer. The bill will allow for minor dependents of the fallen to continue to be covered until they are 23 and spouses of the deceased will be covered until they remarry.
Thankful for the collaboration between his legislative colleagues and the Governor, Representative Robson stated, “I am proud of the work our state has accomplished in the interest of providing health coverage for the families of our fallen first responders. This legislative measure, in recognition of their acts of selfless bravery, is the least we can do to show our gratitude.”