Plan for Compensation for First Responders’ Families Advanced
Lawmakers gave first-round approval March 10 to a bill that would provide a one-time death benefit to families of Nebraska first responders killed in the line of duty.
Legislative Bill 255, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, would provide monetary compensation to the family of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or public EMS ambulance squad member killed in the line of duty, including those who work on a voluntary basis. The concept is common practice in other states, Hansen said, and is long overdue in Nebraska.
“Many of our neighboring states have some form of compensation for those who die in the line of duty,” he said. “I believe it is time for Nebraska to join our neighbors and make sure those first responders know that we value their work, their service and their lives.”
Under the bill, a qualifying family member must file for compensation within one year of the death. For first responders killed in 2022, compensation provided would be $50,000. For each following year, compensation would be equal to the previous year’s compensation increased by the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers.
Omaha Sen. Mike McDonnell spoke in support of the bill. He said it was a small way to thank first responders, especially the many volunteers who receive no compensation for their work.
Opposing the bill was Thurston Sen. Joni Albrecht. Many fire departments have negotiated contracts that already provide death benefits, she said, echoing concerns that the state would be providing monetary payments to families on top of generous local agency-provided benefits.
Senators advanced LB 255 to select file on a 37-1 vote.
The Unicameral Information Office is operated by the Clerk of the Legislature. Find additional coverage at update.legislature.ne.gov.
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