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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 11, 2021 02:10 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jeff C. Wheeland |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | State Death Benefit for Coroners |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to extend the death benefit that is currently available to emergency responders to individuals who are coroners. The Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act provides a state benefit of $100,000 (annually adjusted using the Consumer Price Index; currently $158,550.75) to emergency responders for deaths related to the performance of their duties. Coroners are medicolegal death investigators who investigate the cause and manner of death, and certify every homicide, suicide and accidental death in addition to certifying many natural deaths. Medical legal death investigation is considered one of the first parts of an investigation of a crime scene, similar to the work of police, emergency medical services and fire protection services, to that end, coroners are indeed a first responder, as such, should be considered “Essential Personnel.” It is important to note that coroners perform necessary investigations while trying to protect themselves from exposure in the process. These individuals perform their duties with dedication and courage and should be recognized for their service, including service that results in a line of duty death. Please consider joining me in sponsoring this important and timely legislation. |
Introduced as HB1451