Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) has introduced bipartisan legislation ensuring that death benefits for family members of public safety officers killed in the line duty would not be subject to federal taxation. Joining Congressman Paulsen in introducing the legislation were the bipartisan co-chairs of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA). The bill, 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 treated the same in the tax code.Under the legislation, neither would be subject to the federal income tax. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by New Hampshire Senators Kelly Ayotte and Jeanne Shaheen.

“Behind every safe community are police officers and firefighters that are unafraid to put their lives on the line,” said Rep. Paulsen. “These officers, and their families, should know that we support them and what they do. By clearing up ambiguity in the tax code, we can ensure that families of public safety officers will receive the full benefit they deserve should their loved ones give the ultimate sacrifice.”  

“Our public safety officers make extraordinary sacrifices to protect our communities by putting their lives on the line day in and day out,” stated Rep. Pascrell.  “This commonsense legislation ensures the families of fallen public safety officers receive that same kind of commitment while avoiding an unfair tax burden in the wake of a devastating loss.”

“As someone who spent 33 years in law enforcement and saw the sacrifice of so many men and women, including my best friend and partner who died in the line of duty, I know how important it is that the families of public safety offices are not penalized for the heroic actions of their loved ones,” said Rep. Reichert. “This legislation will make sure that the tax code allows families – who our police officers or firefighters laid down their lives for – the full benefits they deserve.”

The legislation is supported by the 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, and locally by unions representing Sergeants, Commanders, Patrol Officers, and Detectives of the Brooklyn Center Police Department.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

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

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