To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide for the eligibility of Transportation Security Administration employees to receive public safety officers death benefits, and for other purposes.

2/28/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1159

Bill 119 hr 1159, also known as the "Public Safety Officers Death Benefits Improvement Act," aims to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend eligibility for public safety officers death benefits to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees.

Currently, only certain law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel are eligible for these benefits in the event of their death in the line of duty. This bill seeks to include TSA employees in this category, recognizing the important role they play in ensuring the safety and security of the traveling public.

The bill also includes provisions for other purposes, which may include additional benefits or protections for TSA employees who are injured or killed while performing their duties. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to ensure that all public safety officers, including TSA employees, are properly recognized and supported for their service and sacrifice in protecting the American people.

Congressional Summary of HR 1159

Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act

This bill includes Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees in the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program under certain conditions. Specifically, the bill extends PSOB program death and disability benefits to TSA employees performing official duties related to protecting the nation's transportation systems.

As background, the PSOB program provides cash benefits to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers; firefighters; employees of emergency management agencies; and members of emergency medical services agencies who are killed or permanently and totally disabled as the result of personal injuries sustained in the line of duty. PSOB death benefits are payable to the eligible spouse and children of a public safety officer. Further, the Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers who are eligible for PSOB death or disability benefits.

Current Status of Bill HR 1159

Bill HR 1159 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 10, 2025. Bill HR 1159 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 10, 2025. Bill HR 1159's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 10, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1159

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1159

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1159

To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide for the eligibility of Transportation Security Administration employees to receive public safety officers death benefits, and for other purposes.