North Dakota Should Provide Coverage for Fallen Heroes’ Families

BISMARCK, ND — Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m., the House Political Subdivisions Committee will hear testimony on HB 1435, which would continue health insurance coverage for the surviving spouse and dependent children of any police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer killed in the line of duty. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks). The hearing will be livestreamed at http://bit.ly/67-PolSub-20210128pm.

“On May 27 last year, our state – and specifically my Grand Forks community – suffered an immense loss when Officer Cody Holte was killed in the line of duty,” Rep. Ista said. “Officer Holte represents the best our state has to offer, a true hero.”

If passed, HB 1435 would allow the surviving spouse and dependent children of a fallen hero to remain on the deceased’s health insurance.  It covers any families who lost loved ones in the line of duty since the start of 2010. North Dakota would join 17 other states that offer similar protections.

Rep. Ista continued, “HB 1435 represents our North Dakota values. Those who pursue careers in law enforcement and public safety should be honored as the heroes they are. Those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe deserve our gratitude and our support. And when someone pays the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state, we should support the family they leave behind.”

###