Washington, D.C.– Legislation authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) to support families of fallen public safety officers passed the House of Representatives in a unanimous vote on Tuesday night. The bill, H.R. 606, the Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act, clarifies federal law to make sure that both federal and state benefits for fallen public safety officers are not subject to federal income tax.

Paulsen introduced the bipartisan legislation along with Congressmen Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) and Dave Reichert (WA-08). New Hampshire Senators Kelly Ayotte and Jeanne Shaheen have introduced companion legislation as survivor benefits for the family of slain Brentwood, NH police officer Steven Arkell continue to remain in limbo.

“Every day, our nation’s police officers, firefighters, and EMTs put their lives on the line to protect their communities,” said Paulsen. “Clarifying the tax code to ensure families receive their full benefit in the event a loved one is killed in the line of duty is the right thing to do.” 

“When public safety officers make the ultimate sacrifice, it’s our duty to ensure their family receives the full benefit they deserve,” stated Rep. Pascrell. “I’m thrilled to see this critical legislation pass the House, and urge the Senate to act swiftly so this commonsense fix to the tax code can finally become law.”

Paulsen spoke on the House floor in favor of the legislation. Video is available here.

The legislation is supported by the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, National Troopers Coalition, Sergeants Benevolent Association, International Union of Police Associations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major County Sheriffs' Association, and locally by the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police and unions representing sergeants, commanders, patrol officers, and detectives of the Brooklyn Center Police Department.

“There is no amount of compensation or compassion that can replace the loss of a loved one,” said Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “However, we can help these survivors face any financial burdens that may be incurred as a result of their loss by protecting any benefits they may receive from being subject to federal income tax. On behalf of the more than 330,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for introducing this legislation.”

“The Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act clarifies that neither federal- nor state-level death benefits paid to the families of fallen public safety officers are subject to federal income tax,” said President Ed Mullins of the Sergeants Benevolent Association.  “It is a clarification that is entirely fitting and long overdue given that the federal government should never have the ability to tax the compensation provided to families of  public safety officers who sacrifice their lives keeping our communities safe. We are truly grateful to Rep. Paulsen and Sen. Ayotte for their continued leadership on this important issue.”

“The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), which represents over 241,000 rank and file police officers from across the United States, strongly supports the Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act,” said William Johnson, Executive Director, NAPO. “This critical legislation will ensure that families of fallen officers are not forced to pay an excessive tax after their loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation.  We are most grateful to Congressman Paulsen and Senator Ayotte for introducing this legislation, and we look forward to continuing to work with Congress to make certain that families of fallen officers, who dedicated their lives to public service, are provided with every available resource.” 

“While these men and women can never be replaced, the Don't Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act goes a long way to provide peace of mind to the families of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Matthew Hagen, President of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police. “On behalf of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police I want to thank Congressman Paulsen for his work on this legislation as well as his steadfast support for Minnesota's law enforcement community.”

Paulsen is a member of the House Law Enforcement Caucus and has been a strong advocate for issues affecting police, firefighters, and EMTs. In addition, he has worked with Minnesota law enforcement to combat the crime of sex trafficking. Paulsen’s guest to this year’s State of the Union was Minneapolis Police sergeant and anti-trafficking advocate, Grant Snyder.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

###