Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Impact
The bill also broadens the definition of 'child' for eligibility concerning these benefits. This new definition allows for children above the age of 18 who are enrolled in secondary education or higher education to qualify for benefits, ensuring that young adults still dependent on their parents can receive support in the event of their parent's accidental death in the line of duty. This echoes similar provisions provided in the PFRS, which could lead to greater consistency in benefits across the two retirement systems.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1675 proposes significant amendments to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) concerning accidental death benefits for law enforcement officers, correction officers, and firefighters. The bill specifically increases the accidental death benefit payable to the surviving spouse and children of members who fall under PERS, raising the benefit amount to 70% of the member's compensation. This adjustment aims to provide more substantial financial support for families of public safety personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
Contention
Notably, the bill includes retroactive provisions that would adjust the benefits for entitlements granted on or after September 11, 2001, potentially resulting in significant financial implications for the state. This retroactive adjustment is particularly contentious as it allows periods during which families could qualify for a reassessment and possible increase in their benefits based on the enhanced definitions and percentages described in the bill. Opponents might express concern about the financial burden of such retroactive benefits on state finances and the retirement systems' sustainability.
Same As
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
Permits surviving spouses of certain members to retain accidental death benefits upon remarriage; provides for regaining of any such lost benefits prior to the rule change.