Mastriano Introduces ‘Joshua’s Law’ to Fix ‘Line of Duty’ Death Benefits for Families

HARRISBURG - Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) has introduced legislation to fix state law so families of certain first responders are no longer excluded from receiving "Line of Duty" death benefits.

"This proposal, called 'Joshua's Law,' is named after Firefighter Joshua Laird who tragically lost his life in the line of duty," said Mastriano. "Joshua was a longtime Pennsylvania resident, but he served as a firefighter in Maryland, and died in the line of duty on Aug. 11, 2021.

"Because he performed his duty in another state, his family can't receive Pennsylvania "Line of Duty" death benefits due to the way our state law is written."

Senate Bill 1339 would amend that state law, addressing that unacceptable omission.

"Many of our first responders live here in Pennsylvania. They vote here, worship here, pay taxes here, their children go to school here - their lives are here, and like many of us, they drive to work," Mastriano said. "The only difference is they drive into another state, sometimes only a few miles away from their home in Pennsylvania.

"We owe it to them to protect and provide for the families no matter where they make that ultimate sacrifice."

With insufficient voting session days remaining in the 2023-24 legislative session to consider the bill, Mastriano will reintroduce the legislation during the Pennsylvania General Assembly's 2025-26 legislative session.

Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District covering Adams and Franklin counties. He serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is a combat veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and was deployed three times to Afghanistan. For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Mastriano's website at www.senatormastriano.com or follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

Contact: Don Beishl 717-787-4651