SENATE BILL 433

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Ben D. Altamirano

AN ACT

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT; INCREASING THE SUPPLEMENTAL DEATH BENEFITS FOR THE SURVIVORS OF A PEACE OFFICER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. Section 29-4A-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1995, Chapter 59, Section 5, as amended) is amended to read:

     "29-4A-5. PEACE OFFICERS' SURVIVORS SUPPLEMENTAL DEATH BENEFITS--REVIEW COMMITTEE--DETERMINATION--PAYMENT.--

          A. There is created the "peace officers' survivors supplemental death benefits review committee". The committee shall consist of the attorney general, the chief of the New Mexico state police and the state president of the fraternal order of police or their designees.

          B. The peace officers' survivors supplemental death benefits review committee shall determine whether a peace officer has been killed in the line of duty and advise the secretary of that determination. In addition to any other death benefits provided by law, the surviving spouse, children or parents shall be paid [fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)] one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) as supplemental death benefits whenever a peace officer is killed in the line of duty. The benefits shall be paid from the fund.

          C. The benefits shall be paid first to the surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse, the benefits shall be distributed in pro rata shares to all surviving children. If there are no surviving children or spouse, benefits shall be distributed to the surviving parents of the peace officer."

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