FRANKFORT, Ky. — A bill that would provide death benefits to families of EMS providers who die in the line of duty passed unanimously in the Kentucky House Friday.
WLKY.com reported Senate Bill 43 would provide families of fallen EMS providers $80,000 — the same state death benefit offered to families of fallen police officers and firefighters.
The bill has been referred to as the “John Mackey Bill” in honor of paramedic John Mackey who was killed after being hit by a car while on duty last year.
“EMS providers go into the same environments that public safety officers, police and firefighters go into. They’re there. Absolutely this was a victory. This is something that’s long overdue,” said Eric Johnson, who works with Supporting Heroes and helped plan Mackey’s funeral last year.
Rep. Russ Meyer knew Mackey personally and presented Senate Bill 43.
“I feel anytime we can help these people trying to save our loved ones, protecting us and our communities, I’m there to stand up for them because we don’t need to be overlooking what these people do,” said Meyer.
The House passed the bill 95-0 as Mackey’s family and colleagues looked on. Senate Bill 43 will now head to the desk of Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, who is expected to support it.
If Gov. Bevin signs the bill, the benefits will be retroactive and will provide the funds to the families of EMS providers killed in the line of duty on or after November 1, 2015.
Mackey’s family would be eligible for the benefits.