Last year, state trooper Aaron Pelletier and Department of Transportation worker Andrew DiDomenico were both hit by impaired drivers and died in their line of work. Both employees were too young to receive pensions.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said he recognized the situation's unfairness and decided to change it.
“Many state employees have job responsibilities that often put their lives at risk,” he said. “And the state must be there for their families whenever we face an unfortunate tragedy.”
Lamont said survivor benefits based on each case will be given to the two families as well as to any future families of state workers who die in the line of work.
Previously, benefits were only available to the families of employees who had completed 25 years of work or were older than 55.
The state General Assembly voted unanimously in favor of the law.