Permits reimbursement of COBRA health benefit costs of survivors of certain deceased public safety employees; appropriates $750,000.

This bill provides reimbursement for the first six months of COBRA health insurance costs to survivors of public safety employees who died while on duty or within 24 hours of duty. It directly affects spouses and unmarried children of eligible employees, including police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency responders, who were covered under the State Health Benefits Program or their employer’s health plan until the employee’s death. Survivors must apply to the State Treasurer by March 1 each year for reimbursement of COBRA costs from the previous calendar year. The bill appropriates $750,000 from the General Fund for this purpose, with payments prorated if funding falls short of demand.