Signed by Governor: Benefits for Families of Fallen Officers

On Oct. 16, Gov. Tony Evers signed into law a bill that will provide health insurance benefits to families of fallen officers. The bill (SB 266/AB 300) was enacted as 2019 Act 19.

Act 19 would require any government entity and Marquette University to provide health insurance benefits to the widowed spouse and/or children after a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty. Some form of the bill had been introduced but failed to pass in the past three legislative sessions. Authored by Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield), the bipartisan bill had 91 cosponsors and support from several law enforcement groups.

In a press release, Gov. Evers said, “These folks put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect the people of Wisconsin,” Gov. Evers said. “Ensuring that their families will continue to have health insurance coverage after a tragedy is the least we can do for fallen heroes and their families. I am proud to sign this important bipartisan bill into law.”