This bill amends the Firefighters' Retirement System regulations regarding survivor benefits for children with disabilities. It allows a surviving eligible spouse, within thirty days of the member's death, to designate their deceased spouse's child or children with a permanent mental or physical disability, or dependent minor children, to receive a specified amount of benefits. The bill ensures that any benefits paid to these children do not reduce the total benefits payable to the surviving spouse, as certified by the system's actuary. Additionally, it stipulates that benefits for a child with a disability will be maintained throughout the child's life, rather than being contingent on the permanence of the disability.

The bill also modifies the language surrounding the designation of beneficiaries, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of such designations for children with disabilities. The changes aim to provide clarity and security for families of deceased firefighters, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the necessary support without jeopardizing the surviving spouse's benefits. Overall, the amendments reflect a commitment to enhancing the financial protection afforded to vulnerable family members of firefighters.

Statutes affected:
HB28 Original: 11:2256(B)(3)
HB28 Engrossed: 11:2256(H)(1)
HB28 Enrolled: 11:2256(H)(1)
HB28 Act : 11:2256(H)(1)