Bill Expanding Death Benefits for Arizona First Responders Passes Legislature
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their family shouldn't be left fighting for benefits. The Arizona Senate is taking action to fix that, passing SB 1503 to strengthen financial support for more families of fallen heroes.
The measure, sponsored by Republican Senator David Gowan, now heads to the Governor's desk for signature.
Under current law, gaps in the definition of "first responder" have left certain individuals unprotected — including state correctional officers, Arizona National Guard members on state active duty, and law enforcement pilots. These men and women face dangerous situations every day, yet their families could be denied the $250,000 state death benefit simply because of how the law was written. SB 1503 addresses this issue.
The bill expands the definition of "first responder" under A.R.S. § 38-1171 to include these groups, ensuring their surviving spouses and dependents qualify for the one-time benefit. It also clarifies that "killed in the line of duty" includes deaths caused by another person's criminal act while performing official duties.
Senator Gowan has long championed stronger support for first responder families. In 2023, he sponsored the legislation that placed Proposition 311 on the 2024 ballot, where Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved the $250,000 state death benefit funded by criminal conviction fees. SB 1503 builds directly on that voter-backed foundation by closing remaining gaps in eligibility.
The urgency of this bill is underscored by the recent death of Arizona Department of Public Safety pilot Robert Skankey, who was killed in the line of duty on February 4 when his helicopter crashed while responding to a police shootout in Flagstaff. Skankey's family has been unable to access the state death benefit—a situation this legislation directly remedies.
"These are Arizonans who show up in the hardest moments — guarding prisons, responding to emergencies under state orders, and supporting law enforcement from the air. When the worst happens, their families should not be left navigating red tape or facing financial uncertainty," said Senator Gowan. "SB 1503 ensures Arizona is stepping up to honor their service and stand behind them when it matters most."
SB 1503 includes an emergency clause and applies retroactively to December 31, 2025, allowing it to take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature so families like Skankey's can receive the benefit without delay.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov