Proposed bill to help families of fallen officers
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- One Lafayette lawmaker is working to extend healthcare coverage for families of first responders killed in the line of duty.
Right now, House Bill 604 reads the employer has to provide and pay for health insurance coverage for families of fallen officers two years after their death.
With State Rep. Tehmi Chassion's proposed extension, their spouse will receive benefits for life, and their surviving children will receive benefits until the age of 18 or 23, if a full-time student or disabled.
"It's just basically the same benefits as if the fallen officer, or first responder, was still here because that's what they would do, take care of their family," Chassion said. "So it's our job to take care of the fallen officer and their families holistically, completely, like not even taking a chance."
The bill expansion was inspired by Lafayette Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette, who was killed in the line of duty two weeks ago.
"An email came from one of the police officers, one of his fellow police officers, with the idea." Chassion said. "And it's like, my God, that's absolutely correct. That's the greatest thing we can do."
"I'm basically taken care of by these police officers. They leave their families day in, day out to take care of us, to protect us," Chassion said. "That's the least that we can do to make sure that their families don't have to worry about anything."
Chassion told KLFY News 10 that he will grandfather the Jolivette family in if the bill is passed.
"I don't see anyone possibly fighting this," Chassion said. "Everybody's going to support it. It's just the right thing to do."
He will propose this legislation next March.