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HB 12

LAW ENFORCE/OFFICERS: Extends surviving spouse benefits for a reserve officer killed in the line of duty (EN +$250,000 GF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 30 co-sponsors

Louisiana bill extends survivor benefits to spouses of reserve police officers killed in duty, addressing gaps in current protections for families of fallen reserve law enforcement.

Sent to the Governor for executive approval.
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Bill Summary · HB 12

Legislative bill overview

HB 12 extends survivor benefits to the spouses of reserve law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty. Currently, Louisiana's survivor benefit programs may not adequately cover reserve officers, who often lack the same benefit protections as full-time sworn officers despite performing identical dangerous duties.

Why is this important

Reserve officers frequently respond to emergency calls and engage in high-risk law enforcement activities, yet their families may receive reduced or no survivor benefits compared to full-time officers' families. This creates a significant financial and security gap for surviving spouses when a reserve officer dies in service.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Extending benefits increases state pension/benefit obligations, requiring appropriations scrutiny during budget constraints
  • Definition clarity: The bill's text may need to specify which reserve officer categories qualify and how benefits are calculated relative to full-time officers
  • Equity concerns: Some may argue inconsistent benefit treatment between full-time and reserve officers, while others may question whether reserve positions should receive identical benefits despite different compensation structures

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

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