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Joined By Fallen Deputy's Surviving Family, Scott Ceremonially Signs Death Benefits Bill

Governor Rick Scott's office
Joined by former Orange County Sheriff's deputy Scott Pine's family as well as other law enforcement and officials, Gov. Scott ceremonially signed Senate Bill 7012 into law Monday, for the second time.

For the second time, Governor Rick Scott has ceremonially signed into law a bill making sure the spouses of fallen law enforcement and first responders receive full death benefits.

About two weeks ago, Scott ceremoniously signed the measure at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office.

“Senate Bill 7012 is going to give peace of mind to individuals. Hopefully, we’ll never have another law enforcement [officer] in our state that loses their life, and if they do, this is going to have much better benefits for everyone involved,” he said, at the time.

Governor Scott performed a similar ceremonial signing in Orlando Monday. He was joined by Bridget Pine—whose husband is the inspiration for the measure. In 2014, Deputy Scott Pine was killed while on duty. Because of the retirement option he chose, Bridget and her family did not really receive a death benefit. Now, the new law will allow her to receive 100 percent of her late husband’s monthly salary. Surviving spouses of correctional officers, firefighters, and others considered special risk who died on or after July 1st, 2013 are eligible for that benefit as well. The new law takes effect July 1st.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.