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

AUGUSTA — On Friday, the Maine Senate enacted a bill sponsored by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, to help retired firefighters and law enforcement officers. 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, received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Maine Senate.

“Firefighters and police officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Now more than ever, we need to be doing all we can to support them, both during their service and after they retire,” said Sen Libby. “I’m glad my colleagues in the legislature offered such strong support of this bill.”

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.

The bill now goes to Gov. Janet Mills for her to sign into law, veto or allow it to become law without her signature. As an emergency measure, LD 37 would take effect immediately upon becoming law.