FRANKFORT - Families of Kentucky National Guard and Reserves soldiers who are killed while serving their country would receive a death benefit under a new law proposed by Rep. Rick Nelson.

"It's becoming more apparent each day just how hazardous service to your country can be, even for those who don't enlist in the regular military services," said Nelson, D-Middlesboro.

A similar benefit of $75,000 already exists for Guard troops who are killed while called up by the governor. That benefit took effect on July 1, 2002; Nelson's bill would make the new benefits retroactive to that date.

Current federal benefits for National Guard and Reserves members who are killed in action is only $9,000.

"Sometimes that $9,000 won't even cover the soldier's funeral expenses," Nelson said. "It's appalling, and I hope taking this step will prompt some action on the federal level as well.

"It seems only right to compensate the families of those citizen soldiers who are called up to combat and pay the ultimate price," he said.

The legislation is now being drafted and will be prefiled for consideration during the 2006 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly beginning in January. It is similar to legislation filed by Nelson during the 2005 Regular Session.