Bill Under Consideration Would Increase Death Benefits for Fallen Officers' Families

Arkansas would greatly increase the benefits paid to fallen police officers' families if a measure circulating through the legislature passes.  Under House Bill 1179, if a state police officer dies of natural causes on the job, the survivors could collect $50,000 in benefits — double the previous amount available. If an officer from any jurisdiction is killed in the line of duty, the figure would jump to $100,000. Currently, those families can collect half that amount. Families would receive more money if the death met certain conditions. An extra $30...