U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that President Trump signed his bipartisan legislation that would guarantee benefits for families of any first responder who tragically dies from contracting COVID-19 while in the line of duty.
“Our brave first responders need to know that their families will be supported if they contract COVID-19 while in the line of duty,” Daines said. “This bipartisan effort was about protecting those and their families who keep us all safe during these challenging times. I’m grateful to President Trump for signing this important bill into law.”
Infectious diseases are considered line of duty deaths as long as a public safety officer is able to provide evidence that the infectious disease was contracted on duty.
Daines’ Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act creates a presumption that if a first responder is diagnosed with COVID-19 within 45 days of their last day on duty, the Department of Justice will treat it as a line of duty incident.
The presumption will guarantee payment of benefits (a one-time lump sum payment of $359,316 and/or education assistance of $1,224.00 per month) to any first responder who dies from COVID-19.
Background:
On May 5th, 2020, Daines introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act.
Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country. To read about Daines’ COVID-19 related efforts click HERE.
###