Fortunately, it is not common for officers and firefighters to die in the line of duty. But, the officers and firefighters that are killed in line of duty leave behind families, who depend on the income of that spouse and the natural increases. Currently, children of slain officers and firefighters receive special death benefits up to the age 22. These benefits cease when the children marry or are adopted by a step-parent. AB 2621 will allow children to be adopted by a step-parent and still receive special death benefits until either they reach 22 years old or they marry.
Current law provides an inappropriate disincentive for adoption.
The benefits a spouse receives is calculated based on the salary at the time of death. Currently this amount is not adjusted for the salary increases which every other officer in that class receives. These increases would continue until the officer would have reached retirement age of 50. This bill is designed to help the surviving family to better care for themselves and to provide a more equitable means of financial support. AB 2621 provides security for the child and peace of mind for the surviving parent.