TO INCREASE THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM TO DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES OR SURVIVORS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYEES KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

HB 1293 increases death benefit payments to designated beneficiaries or survivors of public employees who die while performing their duties. The bill specifically expands coverage to include state highway employees, adding them to the list of eligible workers previously covered (such as police, firefighters, and coroners). This amendment, enacted as Act 414 on March 25, 2025, directly affects families of these public safety workers by raising the financial support they receive. The change modifies existing state law to provide higher compensation for qualifying deaths in the line of duty.