Relates to the suicide of a police officer due to the stress of the occupation

BILL NUMBER:S2822

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to the suicide of a police officer due to the stress of such occupation

Purpose

Section 1. Clause (3) of Paragraph 1 of subsection (b) of section 3203 of the insurance law is amended to read as follow: Suicide within two years from the date of issue of the policy provided, however, that the suicide of a police officer shall not be excluded or restricted during the two years from the date that the insured became covered under the policy when the suicide is related to the stress of such occupation.

Justification

There is a history of psychological documentation showing the stress that comes with the duties of law enforcement and the affects that clearly follow including job related suicide. When it is found that an officer's suicidal death is clearly related to the stress of his occupation the death should be documented and treated as a line of duty death, which will allow the family to receive the necessary benefit. This benefit will not be offered to any officer or family member of any officer who is facing criminal or departmental charge(s).

Legislative history

S.4482 04/23/09 Referred to Insurance 01/06/10 Referred to Insurance S.3983 03/11/11 Referred to Insurance 01/04/12 Referred to Insurance

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become law.