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HB 2208

Adding Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees who work at institutions managed by the Commissioner to the Survivor Benefits Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Steele

House Bill 2208 expands survivor benefits to Division of Corrections employees, providing $100,000 to families if they die from work-related incidents, retroactive to 2020.

To House Homeland Security
#corrections
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Bill Summary · HB 2208

Summary of House Bill 2208

Bill Number: HB 2208
Title: Adding Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees who work at institutions managed by the Commissioner to the Survivor Benefits Act
Status: To House Homeland Security
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Corrections

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2208 aims to expand the eligibility for survivor benefits under the West Virginia Survivor Benefits Act to include employees of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation who work at institutions managed by the Commissioner. The bill recognizes the risks associated with their duties and seeks to provide financial support to their beneficiaries in the event of a death resulting from their work-related activities.

Key Provisions

  • Eligibility Expansion: The bill adds Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation personnel to the definition of "emergency responders" eligible for survivor benefits.

  • Qualifying Acts: It defines qualifying acts for eligibility to include:

    • Training functions
    • Administrative meetings
    • Incidents or activities related to corrections or parole
    • Interactions with inmates, former inmates, and their families or associates
    • Travel to and from these activities

  • Survivor Benefits: If an eligible emergency responder dies as a result of their duties, their beneficiaries will receive a one-time payment of $100,000 from the state.

  • Retroactive Effective Date: The bill establishes a retroactive effective date of March 14, 2020, for the amendments made to the Survivor Benefits Act.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The bill will directly benefit the families of Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees by providing financial support in the event of a work-related death.

  • State Responsibilities: The state will be responsible for processing claims and disbursing the survivor benefits to the designated beneficiaries.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey:
    • Introduced on February 12, 2025
    • Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and then to Finance
    • As of February 18, 2025, the bill is under consideration by the House Homeland Security Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2208 seeks to enhance the safety net for employees of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation by ensuring that they and their families are supported in the event of a tragic loss. By expanding the Survivor Benefits Act, the bill acknowledges the critical role these employees play in maintaining public safety and the inherent risks of their profession.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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