Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law on Oct. 3 which doubles the amount paid to Michigan Public Safety Officers’ families if officers are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The law takes effect immediately.

Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), increases the amount surviving spouses or dependents receive from $25,000 to $50,000 to help provide the support they need as they grieve the loss of their loved ones. Families of officers who are permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty also receive this benefit increase, which becomes effective for all claims paid on or after Oct. 1, 2024.

“In communities across our state, there are First Responders who step forward and answer the call to serve. They are not alone in answering that call, however — their families stand right alongside them providing comfort and support, while worrying about whether or not their loved ones will make it safely back home,” Hertel said. “If the unthinkable occurs, these families should not be left to pick up the pieces alone. While no amount of money can ever fully repay the debt we owe to our brave safety officers or to those they leave behind, we can do better by them, and that’s exactly what we set out to do with this legislation.” 

Click here for more details on Senate Bill 834.