House Sponsors: MCAULIFFE-NOVAK-ACEVEDO-LOPEZ, PHELPS, O'BRIEN, SANTIAGO, WOOLARD AND SCHAKOWSKY. Senate Sponsors: DUDYCZ Short description: POL&FIRE BURIAL BENFT-GP INSUR Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Law Enforcement Officers, Civil Defense Workers, Civil Air Patrol Members, Paramedics, Firemen, Chaplains, and State Employees Compensation Act. Provides a burial benefit of $10,000 to the surviving spouse or estate of certain police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 to provide State group health benefits for those surviving spouses if health benefits are not provided by the employer of the deceased firefighter or police officer. Effective immediately. FISCAL NOTE (DCMS) HB 1136 is expected to increase Group Insurance Program expen- ditures by at least $80,424 annually. If additional local gov- ernments drop their insurance coverage for surviors because the State is mandated to provide it, projected costs will increase. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Expands coverage to include police and fire departments operated by the State, a State university, or a unit of local government. Deletes the requirement of full-time employment. Includes health insurance for dependent children. Makes other changes. HOME RULE NOTE HB1136, with H-am 1, does not preempt home rule authority. FISCAL NOTE (DCMS) First year cost to the Group Insurance Program is estimated at $1,026,100 if claims coverage is retroactive to Sept. 24, 1994. Fiscal impact for first year of benefit coverage is estimated at $620,500 if coverage begins July 1, 1997. The State will also spend approximately $560,000 in the first year for burial benefits. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 99-01-12 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 1 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status