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The Senate gave final passage Friday to a bill to create a death benefit for Utah National Guard members killed during state-activated duty.
Senators approved HB98 29-0 and sent it to Gov. Gary Herbert for his signature.
It would provide a $100,000 death benefit if a member is killed at times when the guard is activated by the governor for state duty. When they are activated by the federal government, they already receive the same federal death benefits available to all soldiers on active federal duty.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clinton, earlier said that in a world where terrorism and natural disasters could lead the state to activate the guard, it makes sense to create death benefits for its members.