PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 116-157.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Aug 14, 2020
Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020
This bill extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to public safety officers (e.g., law enforcement officers) and survivors of public safety officers who die or become injured as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty.
For purposes of death benefits, this bill creates a general presumption that a public safety officer who dies from COVID-19 or related complications sustained a personal injury in the line of duty.
For purposes of disability benefits, the bill creates a general presumption that COVID-19 or related complications suffered by a public safety officer constitutes a personal injury sustained in the line of duty.
People & committees
Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] · R–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 116-157.
Became Public Law No: 116-157.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H3109-3110)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection.
Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H3109-3110)
Mr. Cicilline asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table and consider.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. (text: CR S2464)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.(text: CR S2464)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2464)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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