National Police Association Backs Bill to Streamline Survivor Benefits

Current federal law mandates that for a heart attack or stroke to qualify for the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program, it must occur within 24 hours of non-routine, strenuous physical activity. This narrow window, combined with the difficult burden of proving a direct link between duty-related stress and a medical event, often leaves grieving families without support. H.R. 9845, introduced by Representatives Lou Correa and Jefferson Van Drew, seeks to extend this coverage window to 72 hours and establish a presumption that such medical crises are service-related unless medical evidence suggests otherwise.

Paula Fitzsimmons, legislative director for the National Police Association, emphasized that families who have already sacrificed should not be forced to navigate excessive red tape to secure what is rightfully theirs. By easing the evidentiary requirements, the bill aims to honor fallen personnel while bolstering morale across law enforcement agencies. The legislation is now pending before the House Judiciary Committee, with the NPA urging Congress to prioritize its passage to ensure families are not further burdened by systemic administrative delays.