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 on or after January 1, 2021, will be converted to the new benefit structure, with a lump sum payment reflecting the difference between the two benefits provided to the beneficiary. This legislation is retroactive to January 1, 2021, and aims to align the benefits for PERS members with those provided under the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS).