Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.
Impact
The provisions of A642 would be retroactive to January 1, 2003, meaning past employees who were injured during their temporary employment will also be able to seek benefits under this bill. This retroactivity is significant as it acknowledges and provides for employees who have previously faced exclusion from benefits due to the temporal nature of their positions. Additionally, the bill mandates that any events leading to disability that occurs when an employee is temporarily employed will be classified as if they happened during their membership, if they transition into permanent positions without gaps in employment.
Summary
Bill A642 proposes to amend the eligibility criteria for the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to allow individuals who suffer injuries while temporary employees at state psychiatric institutions or correctional facilities to apply for accidental disability benefits. The bill addresses a significant gap in the current law, which restricts these benefits only to permanent members of PERS, thereby leaving many temporary employees who sustain disabling injuries without adequate protection or compensation. This change aims to offer fair treatment for those injured in the line of duty, potentially impacting a sizable group of workers in critical state systems.
Contention
While A642 is designed to expand protections for employees at state facilities, there may be contentious points regarding the implications of retroactive eligibility and the potential financial impact on the PERS system. Concerns may arise about the increased burden on the retirement system and whether such changes could incentivize temporary positions over permanent employment, potentially undermining workers’ long-term job security. Advocates for the bill will emphasize the importance of supporting state employees in high-risk roles, while opponents may argue for caution in modifying established benefits to avoid unintended consequences.
Same As
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.
Carry Over
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.
Carry Over
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.
Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected permanent disability and proclaims that the State shall reimburse municipalities for cost of exemption.
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.