Extends from six to 12 months compensation program for injured law enforcement officers and other employees; revises type of injury needed to qualify for program.
Impact
The modification stands to impact various categories of state law enforcement and associated personnel, including correctional police officers, juvenile detention officers, professional probation officers, and civilian employees who work directly with detainees. Under the new provision, if an officer is injured, they can receive their full salary for up to twelve months, providing more substantial financial security during recovery. Additionally, injured officers may continue to receive supplemental payments from their employer post-injury compensation.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2859 aims to extend the compensation program for injured law enforcement officers and certain other employees from six to twelve months. This compensation covers those who suffer injuries directly linked to assaults by inmates, detainees, or others under their custody or supervision. The bill amends P.L.2017, c.93, which initially framed the compensation program, by broadening the eligibility criteria for compensation payments. It lowers the threshold for qualifying injuries by changing the definition from 'serious bodily injury' to simply 'bodily injury.'
Contention
Notably, some concerns may arise regarding the adequate funding for this extended compensation and the potential implications on state budgets. Critics may argue about the ability of the state to sustain this increased financial commitment over time, particularly under fiscal constraints. The change in injury qualification standards may also lead to debates over the adequacy of protections for all employees versus the responsibilities of the state to manage these higher compensation payouts.
Carry Over
Extends from six to 12 months compensation program for injured law enforcement officers and other employees; revises type of injury needed to qualify for program.
Extends from six to 12 months compensation program for injured law enforcement officers and other employees; revises type of injury needed to qualify for program.
Clarifies that encouraging another person to cause bodily injury, by filming, photographing, or otherwise recording injury-causing act, is form of crime of endangering injured victim.