Nebraska Bill Would Provide a New Death Benefit for Families of Fallen Officers

A bill that would provide a one-time death benefit to families of Nebraska first responders killed in the line of duty was amended and advanced to final reading March 22.

LB255, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, would provide monetary compensation to the family of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or public EMS ambulance squad member killed in the line of duty, including those who work on a voluntary basis.

Under the bill, a qualifying family member must file for compensation within one year of the death. For first responders killed in 2022, compensation provided would be $50,000. For each following year, compensation would be equal to the previous year’s compensation increased by the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers, KNEB reports.