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SB 523

Line of Duty Act; payments to beneficiaries.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Creigh Deeds

SB 523 adjusts beneficiary payment structures under Virginia's Line of Duty Act for fallen or injured public safety officers, now under fiscal review by the legislature.

Reported from Courts of Justice and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 523

Legislative bill overview

SB 523 modifies Virginia's Line of Duty Act to adjust how beneficiary payments are calculated and distributed when public safety officers die or are permanently disabled in the line of duty. The bill passed its initial committee review unanimously and now faces fiscal evaluation in the Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Why is this important

Line of Duty benefits represent the state's commitment to compensating families of fallen or injured first responders. Changes to payment structures directly affect the financial security of officers' dependents and can influence recruitment and retention in hazardous public safety positions.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: The Virginia Retirement System's fiscal statement suggests cost implications that lawmakers must weigh against current budget constraints
  • Benefit adequacy debate: Questions about whether adjusted payments sufficiently support surviving families versus state budgetary capacity
  • Scope of coverage: Potential disagreements over which incidents qualify as "line of duty" deaths or disabilities and which beneficiaries receive payments

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

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