Relating to survivor’s benefit payment for first responders
HB 5451 amends West Virginia law to update the payment process for funeral expenses of first responders killed in the line of duty. It ensures the state provides up to $8,000 for funeral costs (covering burial, services, etc.) for eligible law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, correctional staff, and probation officers who die while performing official duties. The bill clarifies that this payment supplements other benefits but guarantees at least $8,000 total if other funds cover less. It makes technical updates to align the statute with current code language and adjusts the effective date.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2026
Last action Feb 11, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To House Finance
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To Finance
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
J.B. Akers
RRepublican
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