The bill amends Florida Statutes to expand the criteria for membership in the Special Risk Class, effective July 1, 2026, to include certain prosecutors and special investigators. Eligible members now encompass state attorneys, the statewide prosecutor, assistant statewide prosecutors, and special investigators, allowing them to qualify for full retirement eligibility after 30 years of service without penalty. Key changes include the removal of certification requirements for sheriffs and elected police chiefs, who are now recognized as special risk members, and the introduction of a new definition for "qualifying injury," which must be certified by two licensed medical physicians. The bill also clarifies that administrative support personnel are excluded from special risk membership while ensuring that qualifying individuals do not gain additional employment rights beyond existing laws.

Additionally, House Bill 1289 establishes new provisions for the Senior Management Service Class for judicial employees in Florida, mandating that certain managerial or policymaking positions previously held by state attorneys or public defenders will now be filled by employees serving at the pleasure of the public defender without civil service protection. Participation in this class is compulsory for designated judicial employees, including assistant public defenders and assistant attorneys general, with a phased implementation starting January 1, 2001, for some roles and extending to others by January 1, 2002. The bill also introduces a new legal finding emphasizing the importance of fair and adequate retirement benefits for state employees, officers, retirees, and their dependents, ensuring these benefits are managed in an actuarially sound manner, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1289 Filed: 121.052