Committee unanimously passes Sen. Libby bill to further improve health insurance program for retired firefighters, law enforcement officers

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, a bill sponsored by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, received unanimous, bipartisan support of the Legislature’s Committee on Labor and Housing. LD 37, “An Act To Amend the Laws Concerning the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program,” part of ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen this program, was voted ought to pass by the committee.

“The Mainers who put themselves on the line to protect our communities deserve our support. Ensuring they have access to health insurance coverage, including after they retire, is an import part of that support, especially now,” said Sen Libby. “I’m grateful to committee members for their work on this bill and their unanimous support.”

LD 37 would improve the health insurance plan for retired county and municipal law enforcement officers and municipal firefighters, including expanding the open enrollment period. In the 129th Legislature, Sen. Libby sponsored LD 1674, “An Act To Amend the Laws Concerning the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program,” which made amendments to the program to ensure earned benefits are accrued and disbursed fairly. That bill was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills in 2019. 

The Maine Association of Police and Professional Firefighters of Maine both submitted testimony supporting LD 37.

LD 37 now faces votes in the Senate and House. As an emergency measure, the bill would go into effect immediately upon becoming law.