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Bill

SB 860

Relating to payment of funeral expenses for first responders

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vince Deeds and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would authorize funding to cover funeral expenses for qualifying first responders, providing financial assistance to families of those who die in the line of duty.

To Finance
#publicsafety
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Bill Summary · SB 860

Summary of SB 860 (2026) – West Virginia

Purpose and intent

SB 860 seeks to establish or expand a program related to paying funeral expenses for first responders. The bill is framed to provide financial assistance to cover funeral costs for individuals who are first responders (e.g., police, fire, emergency medical personnel) in the line of duty. The overarching goal is to ease the financial burden on families following the death of a first responder and ensure timely payment of funeral-related expenses.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill history)

  • Financial assistance for funeral expenses: The bill would authorize funding to cover funeral costs for qualifying first responders. Details such as eligible expenses, maximum benefit amounts, and the scope of what is covered (e.g., funeral service, burial, headstone, related costs) are central to the measure.
  • Eligibility criteria: The bill would define who qualifies as a first responder for purposes of the program (likely including employees of police, fire, and emergency medical services; eligibility could be restricted to in-service deaths or include retirees with in-service status, depending on the final text).
  • Administration and funding: Provisions would specify which state or local agency administers the program, how funds are allocated, and oversight mechanisms. There may be appropriations or funding authorization for fiscal years, as well as potential matching or requirements for local contributions.
  • Application and verification process: The bill would outline how families apply for the benefit, supporting documentation required to establish eligibility, and the verification process to prevent fraud or duplication.
  • Coordination with existing programs: The measure may reference existing state support for first responders or death benefits, and indicate how SB 860 integrates with or supplements those programs.

Stakeholders and who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Families of first responders who die in the line of duty, who would receive assistance for funeral expenses.
  • First responder agencies: Police, fire, and EMS departments, which may be involved in the application process and in providing required certification of the decedent’s status.
  • State and local governments: The state department or designated agency would administer the program and allocate funds; local units may be involved in administering or coordinating benefits.
  • Taxpayers and budgetary impact: Depending on the funding source and amount, the bill could influence state expenditures and annual budgets.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: The bill was introduced on February 9, 2026, and routed from Military to Finance for fiscal analysis, with potential committee referrals to the Senate Finance Committee.
  • Committee actions: A committee substitute was reported on February 20, 2026, and the bill was again directed to Finance, indicating amendments or clarifications were added to address fiscal considerations.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through standard legislative process, including potential approval by the Senate, reconciliation with any House version (if applicable), and final enactment, along with any required gubernatorial action and implementation timelines.

Notable details

  • Co-sponsors: Robbie Morris and Vince Deeds co-sponsor the measure, indicating interest across multiple perspectives in providing death-benefit support to first responders’ families.
  • Fiscal scrutiny: The committee substitute and referral to Finance point to the importance of establishing a clear funding mechanism and cost estimate before final passage.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific provisions once the full text or amended language is available, including exact eligibility thresholds, benefit amounts, funding sources, and implementation deadlines.

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

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