STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2020) – State Rep. Mayfield’s (R-Martinsville) legislation making school resource officers eligible for special death benefits like those of police officers killed in the line of duty could soon be law.
Mayfield said school resource officers receive the same training as law enforcement officials serving in the same capacity, yet some are not eligible for a line-of-duty death benefit. Under her legislation, school resource officers would become eligible for these important benefits effective July 1.
“Resource officers working in our schools deserve the same line-of-duty death benefit as police officers in the same role,” Mayfield said. “School resource officers face genuine hazards that can put their lives at risk. In emergencies, they are the first responders that prioritize the safety of students, teachers and school staff over their own.”
According to Mayfield, resource officers who aren’t eligible for a line-of-duty benefit under various state pension and disability funds for police officers and firefighters will qualify.
House Enrolled Act 1151 passed unanimously out of the Senate and now heads to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) presents to the Indiana House of Representatives a bill making school resource officers eligible for the same special death benefits as police officers who are killed in the line of duty Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Statehouse. The measure can now be considered by the governor as a new law.
