Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2026
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9845, the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2026, would amend the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program, which provides death benefits to survivors of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel who die in the line of duty. The bill changes the rules used to determine eligibility when an officer dies from a heart attack or stroke connected to their duties. It extends, from 24 hours to 72 hours, the time window during which such a death can be linked to a qualifying on-duty event. It also removes language requiring claimants to show that the death was directly and proximately caused by something other than ordinary cardiovascular-disease risk factors, eliminating a separate provision tied to that standard.
The change primarily affects families and beneficiaries of public safety officers who die of heart attacks or strokes, by making it easier for their claims to qualify for PSOB payments. It also affects the federal agency administering the program, which would apply the revised standards.
The bill applies to any PSOB claim pending or filed on or after its enactment date. It was introduced in the House on July 22, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. As an introduced bill, it has not yet been voted on and would need committee consideration and votes in the House and Senate, plus presidential signature, before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9845 do?
- H.R. 9845, the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2026, would amend the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program, which provides death benefits to survivors of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel who die in the line of duty. The bill changes the rules used to determine eligibility when an officer dies from a heart attack or stroke connected to their duties. It extends, from 24 hours to 72 hours, the time window during which such a death can be linked to a qualifying on-duty event. It also removes language requiring claimants to show that the death was directly and proximately caused by something other than ordinary cardiovascular-disease risk factors, eliminating a separate provision tied to that standard. The change primarily affects families and beneficiaries of public safety officers who die of heart attacks or strokes, by making it easier for their claims to qualify for PSOB payments. It also affects the federal agency administering the program, which would apply the revised standards. The bill applies to any PSOB claim pending or filed on or after its enactment date. It was introduced in the House on July 22, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. As an introduced bill, it has not yet been voted on and would need committee consideration and votes in the House and Senate, plus presidential signature, before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 9845 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, H.R. 9845 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9845?
- H.R. 9845 was sponsored by Rep. Luis Correa [D-CA46] (Democrat-CA), with 20 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9845?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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