How BR 430 changes current law

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands benefits for first responders by including specific provisions for COVID-19 related deaths among other changes.

• KRS 61.315

  the estate of anyone whose spouse or surviving children would be eligible for benefits under subsection (2) of this section, and the estate of any regular member of the United States Armed Forces who names Kentucky as home of record for military purposes whose death occurs as a direct result of an act in the line of duty, shall be exempt from all probate fees, including but not limited to those established by the Supreme Court of Kentucky pursuant to KRS 23A.200 and 24A.170, or imposed under KRS 24A.185, 64.012, and 172.180.

  This provision exempts estates of eligible first responders and military members from probate fees.

• KRS 61.315

  For the purposes of this section, a first responder who dies as a result of COVID-19 or complications therefrom, is presumed to have died as a direct result of an act in the line of duty and the surviving spouse of the first responder or the surviving children, if any, of the first responder shall be entitled to the benefits set out in subsection (2) of this section, if the first responder: 1. Engaged in an act in the line of duty on or after March 6, 2020; and 2. Within fourteen (14) days of engaging in any such act in the line of duty, was diagnosed with COVID-19 or a complication thereof.

  This change provides a presumption of line of duty death benefits for first responders who die from COVID-19.