Communications & Public Affairs
March 5, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. David Perryman
Office: (405) 557-7401

Bill to Help Officers Injured in the Line of Duty Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill that would protect police officer’s pension benefits when injured in the line of duty from a violent act unanimously passed the House 94 to 0.

The Sergeant Schoolfield Line of Duty Disability Act (House Bill 3330), authored by Rep. David Perryman (D-Chickasha), would change the disability percentage for officers disabled as a result of a violent act while on duty to 100 percent.

Currently, disabled officers who can no longer work in law enforcement are often not eligible for their full pension benefits.

“Today the House voted to protect the financial future of Oklahoma police officers,” Perryman said. “The men and women who serve our communities as police officers put their lives in jeopardy every day in order to keep us safe. No officer should have to worry about losing their pension benefits because their job puts them in a violent situation.”

The legislation is named after former Chickasha Police Officer Matthew Schoolfield who was injured while serving a search warrant.

“I want to commend the Schoolfields for their advocacy on this issue,” Perryman said. “Because of their work, when this bill is signed into law, the financial future of all Oklahoma police officers will be a bit more secure.”

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