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SF3412 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Peace officer and firefighter duty disability benefits including employer providing of health insurance coverage to peace office time period limitations provision, peace officer or firefighter waiving the right to continued health insurance coverage prohibition provision, and attorney fees limitations provision

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the provisions regarding duty disability benefits for peace officers and firefighters in Minnesota. It specifically addresses health insurance coverage, the waiver rights of individuals regarding these benefits, and the limits on attorney fees.

Main Provisions

  1. Health Insurance Coverage:

    • Employers must provide continued health insurance coverage for peace officers or firefighters and their dependents if they were covered at the time of the injury.
    • This coverage must be maintained for three years or until the individual reaches (or would have reached) the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Coverage for dependents ends when they are no longer deemed dependents.

  2. Waiver of Rights:

    • Peace officers and firefighters cannot waive their right to continued health insurance coverage as part of any settlement related to duty disability benefits.
    • Waiving this right will result in the loss of eligibility for the duty disability benefit.

  3. Determination of Eligibility:

    • The determination of eligibility for duty disability must be made by the executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association or the Minnesota State Retirement System, depending on the situation.
    • The determination process includes a written notice and the opportunity to request a review within 60 days.

  4. Attorney Fees:

    • The bill also limits the attorney fees related to proceedings on duty disability benefits, though specific limits are not detailed in the provided excerpt.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Time Limit for Coverage: The bill introduces a specific time limit (three years or until age 65) for how long an employer must continue to provide health insurance.
  • Prohibition on Waiving Rights: It disallows peace officers and firefighters from waiving their rights to health insurance, ensuring coverage continuity as long as they are eligible for duty disability benefits.
  • Procedure for Appeals and Reviews: It lays out a clear process for peace officers or firefighters to contest a decision regarding their eligibility for a duty disability benefit, including who can petition for a review.

Relevant Terms

  • Peace officer
  • Firefighter
  • Duty disability benefits
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Waiver rights
  • Public Employees Retirement Association
  • Minnesota State Retirement System
  • Attorney fees

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on conditions under which officers and firefighters can retain health coverage for three years or until they reach age 65."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the provision for continued health coverage for officers and firefighters disabled in the line of duty under section 299A.465, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "299A.465",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references the conditions under which peace officers or firefighters can receive a duty disability benefit.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "353.656",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill mentions eligibility criteria for duty disability benefits for state troopers and other particular employees.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "352B.10",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced in relation to retirement qualifications affecting duty disability status for police officers.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "353.651",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines duty disability criteria concerning police officers or firefighters for continued health insurance coverage.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "353.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 41"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Criteria for defining duty disability; utilized in the determination of health insurance continuation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "352B.011",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to the final decision and order procedures by judges conducted through the factfinding hearing.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.62",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Exemption from certain review procedures in relation to executive director's determinations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "356.96",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Outlined the judicial review process for executive director decisions at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.63 to 14.68",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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