Washington – The House recently passed a bill that would revise benefits for public safety officers who suffer a "catastrophic injury” and the families of officers killed.

The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act (H.R. 4018) passed with a voice vote June 27. Introduced by Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), the bill would make several revisions to the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Programs, including:

• Make eligible the employees and volunteers of private or nonprofit rescue agencies
• Make clear that public safety officers who suffer from a fatal vascular rupture are eligible
• Clarify how benefits are distributed and claims are processed

The bill was prompted by the death of Daniel McIntosh, a 39-year-old paramedic who worked for a nonprofit ambulance service. McIntosh’s family was denied benefits after he suffered a fatal heart attack on the job in 2010.

The bill now moves to the Senate for action.