This bill amends the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to enhance accidental death benefits for the surviving spouses and children of certain members, specifically law enforcement officers, correction officers, and firefighters who are ineligible for the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). The benefit is increased to 70% of the member's last year's compensation, aligning it with PFRS benefits. The bill also expands the definition of "child" to include unmarried children under 18, those over 18 enrolled in secondary school, and those under 24 enrolled in higher education, provided the member's death was accidental and not due to willful misconduct. Additionally, it allows retroactive adjustments for benefits starting from September 11, 2001, and permits beneficiaries to file for benefits within 180 days of the bill's effective date, overriding the usual five-year limit.

Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions and eligibility criteria, including provisions for domestic partners and specific conditions for claiming benefits. It clarifies that applications for benefits must be filed within five years of the member's death, although the board of trustees can waive certain time limits under specific circumstances. The bill aims to provide comprehensive support to the families of public safety personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty, ensuring that benefits are accessible and equitable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-6, 43:15A-49, 43:16A-1, 43:16A-10