Sponsors (35)
The bill extends federal death-benefit eligibility (including retroactive coverage) to survivors of retired officers killed or permanently disabled in targeted attacks, improving financial relief and fairness while increasing federal costs and risking administrative disputes and payment delays.
Survivors and families of retired law-enforcement officers killed or permanently disabled in a targeted attack become eligible for federal Public Safety Officers' death benefits, providing direct financial support and recognition they otherwise might not receive.
Survivors and families of retired officers harmed on or after August 28, 2012 can make retroactive claims for benefits, increasing fairness and allowing compensation for past incidents that previously went uncompensated.
Taxpayers and the federal budget may face higher costs because expanding eligibility increases program outlays and could require new appropriations or reallocation of funds.
Survivors, beneficiaries, and administering agencies could face delays and litigation because tying benefits to 'good standing' and targeted-attack causation may produce disputes over eligibility and slow payments.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes certain retired law enforcement officers eligible for federal public safety officers’ death benefits when death or permanent total disability results from a targeted attack because of their service, retroactive to Aug 28, 2012.
Extends federal public safety officers’ death benefits to certain retired law enforcement officers whose death or permanent and total disability is the direct and proximate result of a targeted attack because of their service. It defines “retired law enforcement officer” as someone who left service in good standing (with or without compensation) and makes the change effective on enactment, including retroactive coverage for covered actions on or after August 28, 2012.
Introduced February 12, 2025 by Garland H. Barr · Last progress February 12, 2025