Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed into law on April 17 legislation co-authored by State Representative Ethan Lawson to provide support for injured public safety workers and their families.
The new law, House Enrolled Act 1044, allows public safety employees who are injured or disabled in the line of duty to stay on their employer’s health insurance plan at the same rate they paid while actively serving. It also gives surviving spouses or dependents of those who die in the line of duty the ability to keep their health coverage without facing unexpected premium increases.
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, public safety agencies across Indiana respond to a high number of emergencies each year. This underscores the importance of ensuring that these workers and their families can maintain affordable and stable health coverage if they are injured or killed while working.
“This law ensures the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities are not left worrying about health care costs if they are injured on the job,” Lawson said. “It also provides peace of mind for families who have already sacrificed so much by ensuring they can keep stable and affordable coverage during difficult times.”
Lawson also attended the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1150, which he supported. This new law prevents homeowner associations and local governments from restricting what type of fuel residents can use in vehicles or outdoor equipment, and it prohibits local units from requiring homeowners or renters to disclose detailed information about household energy and water usage.
