Arizona lawmaker pushes for $1-million death benefit for first responders

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - An Arizona state Senator wants voters to approve a measure ensuring the families of fallen police officers, firefighters, and other public safety officers, get at least $1-million if their loved one dies in the line of duty.

Senator David Livingston, a Republican from Peoria, says he intends to add state funding to the other work-related death benefits to reach the million-dollar mark.

Besides state and local law enforcement officers, sworn employees of public fire agencies, state and private corrections officers, U.S. Border Patrol agents, and Arizona National Guard members would also be covered under Livington's proposal.

The Senator estimates the average annual cost to Arizona's taxpayers at around $5-million a year.