Families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty will be eligible for additional benefits under a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.
Scott signed 17 bills into law Friday including one that moves up the date of the 2018 session to January. The session normally starts in March.
The benefits bill (SB 7012) signed by the governor would allow families to receive 100 percent of the monthly salary earned by those killed in the line of duty. Currently survivors are eligible for 50 percent of the monthly salary.
The measure applies to police, firefighters, correctional officers and paramedics and others who are enrolled in the state retirement system.
Scott says the legislation ensures first responders have "peace of mind" about support for their families.
