Walker’s bill to provide insurance coverage for public safety employees ceremonially signed by governor

Submitted by Office of State Sen. Kyle Walker

A bill sponsored by State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence) to provide public safety employees injured in the line of duty with health insurance coverage was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Braun on Tuesday, April 14.

House Enrolled 1044 ensures employees who sustain serious injuries or disabilities are not left behind. This new law provides police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters with coverage under their employer’s health insurance plan and prohibits the rate charged for coverage from exceeding what they would be paying as an active employee.

These benefits are also extended to the surviving spouse and dependents of the public safety employee should the employee lay down their life in the line of duty. In case a police or fire department is dissolved, the local government that initiated the dissolution is required to continue to provide coverage for the employee or their surviving spouse and dependents.

“Our first responders work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and this new law ensures their health and their family’s health is supported,” Walker said. “I am grateful for the dedication of our public safety officials, and I appreciate Rep. Jim Pressel for his work authoring this piece of legislation.”

Walker encourages residents of Senate District 31 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Walker can be reached by filling out a “Contact Me” form online at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Kyle-Walker or by phone at (800) 382-9467.

State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence) represents Senate District 31, which includes portions of Hamilton and Marion counties.