Rep. Norman and Rep. Ruppersberger Introduce the Putting First Responders First Act

Press Release

Last week, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2) introduced H.R. 3060. It aims to help police, fire and EMS personnel who are injured in the line of duty.

Under existing law, if a first responder is injured on the job and is unable to work, disability compensation is not subject to federal income tax. However, this tax relief applies only until reaching his/her original date of retirement. After that date, disability payments then become subject to income tax, which can often represent a financial burden to those heroes with long-term or career-ending injuries.

This legislation would help first responders in this situation by exempting all disability payments to first responders from federal income tax, regardless of retirement age. A companion bill is expected to be filed in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Daines (MT) and Sen. Tester (MT).

Rep. Norman issued the following statement on Thursday:

"Each year, hundreds of our police, fire, and EMS personnel are seriously injured in the line of duty. Their jobs carry enormous risk, and their safety is never guaranteed. Our first responders and their families live with the reality that, every day, the unthinkable could happen.

I am proud to introduce legislation that will ensure any first responder who is injured in the line of duty would not be subject to income tax on disability payments for as long as he or she lives. This bill will also provide the IRS and its auditors with much-needed guidance on the tax-exempt status of these individuals."

Rep. Ruppersberger added:

"This legislation is a simple tax tweak that will make an enormous difference in the lives of our first responders who are injured on the job," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "Our first responders put their lives on the line each and every day and now, more than ever, we need to show them their service and sacrifice is appreciated long after their retirement date."

Sen. Daines had this to say:

"Montana's first responders risk their lives every day while serving our communities," Daines said. "The last thing our first responders should have to worry about is paying taxes or burdensome audits after suffering an injury in the line of duty. I will always Back the Blue and work to support the brave men and women who wear the badge."

Sen. Tester stated:

"Every day, our first responders put their lives on the line to keep Montanans safe, and when they get injured in the line of duty, it's our responsibility to have their backs," said Tester. "This bipartisan legislation will make sure we uphold that commitment by preventing the IRS from getting in the way of the benefits these brave women and men have earned."

This bill has received support by the following groups:
Fraternal Order of Police
National Association of Police Organizations
Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD
The Wounded Blue
How2LoveOurCops
U.S. First Responders Association

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