S. 2078: Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act

This bill, called the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act, aims to improve the benefits provided to federal employees who die while performing their duties. The key points of the bill are as follows:

1. Increased Death Gratuities

The bill proposes to establish a death gratuity for federal employees who die as a result of injuries sustained while in the line of duty. The following is outlined regarding this gratuity:

• The amount of the gratuity will be set at $100,000, which will be adjusted annually based on inflation measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index.
• The gratuity will not be applicable if the death was caused by the employee's own misconduct or intoxication.
• The payment will follow a specific order of precedence, starting with any designated beneficiary, followed by the surviving spouse, children, or, if none exist, the surviving parents or the estate executor.

2. Funeral Expenses

The bill also aims to revise the amount allocated for funeral expenses for federal employees who die in service. The key changes include:

• The funeral allowance is increased from $800 to $8,800.
• This new amount will also be adjusted yearly for inflation.

3. Guidelines for Gratuities

The bill updates the regulations regarding death gratuities by repealing previous statutory provisions that may conflict with the new ones. This includes specific adjustments to ensure beneficiaries of the gratuities are adequately covered, especially for employees who may have served in a combat role or abroad.

4. Adjustments for Benefits

For certain categories of employees, particularly those serving in combat or overseas, the bill states that death gratuities may not be reduced based on other benefits available under federal law, ensuring that survivors receive the full amount to which they are entitled.

5. Agency Responsibilities and Funding

The bill also outlines responsibilities for federal agencies in making these payments, including provisions for supplemental funding in cases of natural disasters or acts of terrorism that impact the ability to pay the full benefits. The head of each agency will be responsible for determining when such conditions exist.

6. Reporting and Oversight

To ensure transparency, the bill mandates reporting requirements. Agencies must notify the Comptroller General within 15 business days of making a death gratuity payment. Additionally, an annual report will be required to detail the aggregate amount of gratuities paid, and a comprehensive audit will be conducted within three years of the bill's enactment.

7. Additional Provisions

The bill also includes technical amendments to ensure that definitions and references within the United States Code align with the new provisions set forth in the bill.

Relevant Companies

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