Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Increasing Death Benefits for Families of Fallen First Responders

Chicago — Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 2028 on Wednesday, doubling the death benefits for families of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters. Just yesterday, Fulton County Sheriff's Deputy Troy Chisum, 39, was killed in the line of duty.
 
Previous law set in 1999 capped state reimbursements for burial costs at $10,000, but the new law raises that cap to $20,000, effective for deaths from June 30, 2018, onward.
 
"While no amount of money can ease the terrible grief of families who have lost their loved ones because they were killed in the line of duty, I hope we can at least lessen the financial burden of an immeasurable loss of our state's finest," said Gov. JB Pritzker. "My heart breaks for the families, friends and fellow first responders every time a brave soul leaves us in the noblest of ways. A grateful state will always honor your legacies."