Among the propositions Arizona voters will be deciding on in November, one would create a new $250,000 death benefit payment for the spouse or children of a first responder who is killed in the line of duty.
In Arizona, when a public safety employee dies on the job, the surviving spouse and family receive several state and federal benefits, including full salary, subsidized state health insurance and a federal cash benefit of more than $437,000.
Proposition 311 would establish a $20 penalty levied against all criminal convictions to pay for the new benefit.
Prop. 311 also expands the definition of aggravated assault, as well as its penalties. Some backers say this measure is a way for Arizona voters to send a message of support for police in the wake of years of rising public concern about law enforcement misuse of force.
