Ballot measure would make criminals pay state benefit to families of fallen first responders
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A new ballot measure that Arizonans will vote on in November would bolster benefits to families of first responders who die on duty.
If passed, it’ll be convicted criminals who will have to pay those benefits.
Proposition 311 would establish a $20 fee on every criminal conviction, which would go to a state death benefit of $250,000 for the spouse or children of a first responder who dies on duty. That’s on top of the benefits they already receive.
“Sending a strong message to say we protect our police officers, protect the families if someone would happen to them, why not? Not just police officers, its national guard, its EMT and its firefighters and all first responders,” said Sal DiCiccio with Back the Blue.
DiCiccio lobbied for the measure at the State Capitol, while some opponents have issues with the funding source.
“I’m all for this, but we need to address where this comes from,” Sen. Brian Fernandez said. “I think we have money in the general fund. I think it would be a much better way of funding this in the long term.”
If the funds exceed $2 million, the legislature would be allowed to appropriate those funds for public safety resources. The ballot measure also calls for harsher penalties for someone who assaults a first responder.
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