This bill seeks to enhance health care benefits for the surviving dependents of accidental disability retirees who were involved in the World Trade Center (WTC) rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations following the September 11, 2001 attacks. It establishes clear eligibility criteria for recalculating retirement allowances for retirees who can demonstrate that their permanent and total disability is a result of their participation in these operations. The bill introduces a presumption that such disabilities occurred during duty, provided the member participated for at least eight hours, and outlines the necessary documentation and medical examination requirements for eligibility.

Key provisions include the amendment of existing laws to facilitate the recalculation of retirement allowances for eligible retirees, with applications required to be submitted within 180 days of awareness of the disability or within two years of the bill's effective date. Furthermore, upon the death of a member due to a qualifying condition related to their WTC service, the state will cover health insurance premiums for the member's surviving spouse and dependent children, with the spouse contributing a portion of the costs based on their retirement allowance. The bill also clarifies that those already eligible for benefits under existing collective bargaining agreements are excluded from these provisions, ensuring that the benefits remain accessible while maintaining a level of cost-sharing.

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