HB346 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Law enforcement officers, dependents, continued health coverage for dependents of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty

Summary

HB346 would extend health coverage and require employer premium payments for dependents of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty or who die from line-of-duty injuries, and it adds a local-funding requirement for local governments to implement.

What This Bill Does

It would allow surviving spouses and surviving dependents to stay enrolled in the officer's employer health plan, including dental and vision, after the officer's death or line-of-duty injury. The employer would pay the health insurance premiums for these dependents, and coverage would continue until remarriage, Medicare eligibility, death, or loss of dependent status. Because it ties to a constitutional provision about local expenditures, the bill would take effect only if a 2/3 vote is reached or if the local government approves or is funded to implement it. The effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Surviving spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty or who died from injuries suffered in the line of duty, who would receive continued health coverage and have premiums paid by the officer's employer.
• Surviving dependents of those officers (such as children), who would receive continued health coverage under the employer's plan with premiums paid by the employer until they are no longer considered dependents.

Key Provisions

• Surviving spouse and surviving dependents are entitled to continued health coverage under the employer's health insurance program, including dental and vision policies, for officers killed in the line of duty or who died from injuries in the line of duty.
• The employer must pay health insurance premiums for these dependents (family or single coverage as applicable).
• Coverage ends if the surviving spouse remarries, becomes Medicare-eligible, dies, or a dependent is no longer considered a dependent; if a surviving dependent was not enrolled, they may enroll to receive premium payments.
• The bill creates a local-funding requirement under Amendment 621; it would only take effect if a 2/3 vote is obtained, or if the local government approves and funds it, or the Legislature provides funding.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement