This bill seeks to enhance health care benefits for the surviving dependents of accidental disability retirees who were involved in the rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations at the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 attacks. It establishes a presumption that disabilities resulting from these operations occurred during the performance of duty, provided the individual participated for at least eight hours or sustained a documented injury. The bill allows retirees to apply for a recalculation of their retirement allowance to an accidental disability retirement allowance, with a filing deadline of 30 days after becoming aware of their disability or within two years of the bill's effective date. Additionally, it mandates that the state will cover health insurance premiums for the surviving spouse and dependent children of members who die due to qualifying conditions linked to their service.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that surviving spouses or dependent children of retirees receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance can continue to receive health care coverage, with most costs covered by the state. The surviving spouse's contribution will be based on their retirement allowance, and those already eligible for benefits under existing collective bargaining agreements are excluded. The bill also clarifies the eligibility criteria for pension recalculations and requires new members of the retirement systems to file a sworn statement regarding their service dates and locations within 30 days of joining. Overall, the legislation aims to provide necessary support and benefits to those affected by the events of 9/11.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:16A-7, 53:5A-10, 43:15A-43