Sen. Libby introduces bill to further improve health insurance program for retired firefighters and law enforcement officers

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, introduced LD 37, “An Act To Amend the Laws Concerning the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program,” before the Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee. LD 37 is part of ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen this program.

“The dedicated men and women who protect our communities as law enforcement officers and firefighters deserve our support both when they’re on duty and once they retire,” said Sen Libby. “A big part of that support is making sure they have the health care coverage they need. Never has that been more important than now, during a public health crisis.”

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. 

LD 37 faces further action in committee. As an emergency measure, the bill would go into effect immediately upon becoming law.