This bill amends the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) to enhance the accidental disability pension for members who become permanently disabled due to injuries caused by a weapon. Specifically, it increases the pension from 66 percent to 100 percent of the member's actual annual compensation at the time of the accident or retirement, whichever is more beneficial. Additionally, upon reaching mandatory retirement age, the pension will be set at 80 percent of the adjusted final compensation. The bill also stipulates that the final compensation will continue to increase until the member reaches the age of 65, based on the same percentage adjustments applied to active members' compensation schedules.

Furthermore, the bill introduces definitions for "weapon" and "adjusted final compensation," ensuring clarity in the application of these terms. It also maintains that any enhanced pension benefits will apply retroactively to members who have already retired under the accidental disability retirement allowance, allowing for applications or appeals to be submitted to the PFRS board of trustees in the same manner as existing processes. This legislative change aims to provide greater financial security for PFRS members who suffer disabilities due to weapon-related incidents while performing their duties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:16A-7