FRANKFORT-Line-of-duty death benefits for spouses of police and other hazardous duty
personnel in the state’s public retirement systems would increase under a bill that
has cleared the Kentucky House.
House Bill 185, sponsored by Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, would increase
line-of-duty benefits for surviving spouses from 25 to 75 percent of the deceased
individual’s monthly average rate of pay, with dependent children also receiving a
share. It then goes a step further to allow surviving spouses to continue receiving
a portion of the death benefit when he or she remarries, at a reduced rate of up to
25 percent of the late former spouse’s monthly average pay.
Blanton, a retired Major with the Kentucky State Police, said the legislation will
apply to the family of any hazardous duty worker in state’s public retirement
systems – from state troopers, local police and sheriff’s deputies to firefighters
and others.
“We owe this to them,” said Blanton.
The bill had bipartisan support in the House, which voted 89-0 to approve the measure.
Among those sitting in the House gallery listening as Blanton presented the bill
were the widows of Richmond Police Officer Daniel Ellis, Louisville Metro Police
Officer Nick Rodman and Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis. All three officers
were killed in the line of duty in recent years.
House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell, R-Lancaster, said he is close friends
with several people who were also close to Officer Rodman.
“A lot of times we hear about tragedies like this that happen to families all across
Kentucky, and a lot of times we’re kind of numb to it because it doesn’t impact us
personally,” said Shell, who said he voted in honor of Officer Rodman in his
friends’ stead and also in honor of other fallen officers.
Rep. McKenzie Cantrell, D-Louisville, who represents Officer Rodman’s family in her
district, also spoke in support of HB 185. She said the officer’s death less than a
year ago “rocked our south end community in Louisville.”
“I’m glad that those of us in the legislature today who voted yes are finally
catching up and putting policy in place that recognizes the sacrifice that the
families of our fallen officers make,” she said.
HB 185 now goes to the Senate for consideration.