HB 1184

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Increases, from $150,000 to $225,000, the special death benefit for certain public safety officers and members of the 1925 police pension fund, the 1937 firefighters' pension fund, the 1953 police pension fund, or the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund (1977 fund) who die in the line of duty after June 30, 2020. Requires a city to pay for the care of a police officer or firefighter who suffers an injury while on duty. Establishes mental health disability review panels (review panel) for evaluation of members of the 1977 fund who have been determined to have an impairment for mental illness. Includes mental illness in the description of "occupational diseases" for purposes of determining whether a 1977 fund member has an impairment. Makes the final determination of an impairment for a mental illness provisional for two years from the date of the final determination. Requires that, during that time, the 1977 fund member participate in a mental health treatment plan, at the employer's cost, and at the end of the two year period, requires the review panel to evaluate the 1977 fund member to determine if the 1977 fund member: (1) is medically able to return to duty; or (2) may continue for another two year provisional disability period. Requires that, at the end of the second provisional period, the review panel evaluate the 1977 fund member to determine if the 1977 fund member: (1) is medically able to return to duty; or (2) has a permanent impairment. Increases the maximum age to begin membership in the 1977 fund from 35 to 39 years of age. Provides that a unit's obligation to provide insurance coverage for a volunteer firefighter or member of an emergency medical services personnel supersedes the obligation of another medical insurance carrier. Provides that a certified emergency medical technician or a licensed paramedic is not liable for transporting any person to an appropriate health care facility when the emergency medical technician or the licensed paramedic makes a good faith judgment that the emergency patient or the emergency patient's primary caregiver lacks the capacity to make an informed decision about the patient's: (1) safety; or (2) need for medical attention; and the emergency patient is reasonably likely to suffer disability or death without the medical intervention available at the facility.