This bill aims to enhance the accidental death benefits for certain members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), specifically targeting those who serve as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, hazardous materials emergency first responders, or fire instructors. The key changes include increasing the pension for the surviving spouse from 50 percent to 70 percent of the member's last year of creditable service compensation, or a minimum of $50,000 if that amount is greater. Additionally, the benefits for surviving children are increased from 25 percent to 70 percent if there is no surviving spouse. The bill also stipulates that the State will cover health insurance premiums for the surviving spouse and dependent children.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that any accidental death benefits granted under existing law after January 1, 2021, will be converted to align with the new provisions, with a lump sum payment reflecting the difference in benefits provided. This legislation is retroactive to January 1, 2021, and aims to standardize the benefits for PERS members to be consistent with those in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS).