Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances.
Impact
The legislation permits surviving spouses to continue receiving pension benefits even if they remarry, which deviates from traditional practices where remarriage typically terminates such benefits. This continuation is dependent on the surviving spouse providing proper documentation that the disability leading to the retired member's death was a significant factor contributing to that death. The State would also bear the financial responsibility for any increased contributions required of employers apart from the State due to this provision.
Summary
Senate Bill S3698 aims to provide additional benefits to surviving spouses of retired members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Specifically, the bill allows eligible surviving spouses to enroll in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) after the death of the retired member and mandates that the State cover the full cost of premiums for the surviving spouse and any dependent children. The benefits would apply regardless of whether the retired member died before, on, or after the bill's effective date, provided they were receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance at the time of death.
Contention
The bill has been introduced in the context of ongoing discussions about benefits for public safety personnel. Supporters may argue that it addresses long-standing inequities faced by surviving spouses who have lost their partners in service-related incidents. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for the retirement system and ongoing budgetary pressures, questioning if these benefits are sustainable in the long run.
Same As
Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances.
Carry Over
Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances.
Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances.
Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances.
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.