This bill amends existing laws regarding occupational disability benefits for peace officers and firefighters in Alaska. Specifically, it modifies AS 39.35.410(d) and AS 39.35.890(d) to increase the monthly benefit amount for these employees. Currently, the benefit is set at 40 percent of the employee's gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due to disability. The new provisions state that for each month of eligibility after the first 12 months, the benefit amount will increase to 75 percent of the employee's gross monthly compensation at the time of termination.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that upon appointment to disability, a member becomes fully vested in employer contributions and that while receiving disability benefits, the employer must continue to make contributions to the employee's individual account without deductions from the disability payments. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
SB0144A, AM SB 144, introduced 03/26/2025: 39.35.410, 39.35.890