Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill Wednesday that expands death benefits for Arizona first responders, one of just a few bills the governor said she will sign amid the moratorium announced on April 13.
Approved by Arizona voters in 2024, Prop 311 created a $250,000 death benefit for eligible first responder families. SB1503, signed on April 15, expands the state’s line-of-duty death benefits by adding correctional officers, National Guard members on state active duty, and law enforcement pilots to the list of “first responders.”
“It’s going to help the family who are the real victims here,” State Senator David Gowan said.
Gowan, the bill sponsor, said the urgency for the measure came after DPS crew members Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey were killed when their helicopter crashed in Flagstaff in February while providing tactical support during an officer-involved shooting.
Under existing law, Bennett’s family was eligible for benefits due to his status as a state trooper. Skankey’s family, because he was a civilian employed by DPS, was not. Until now.
“Our pilots, that are flying these critical missions alongside our troopers, is really important to make sure that they recognize, as first responders as well,” Jeffrey Glover, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, said.
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