The bill amends various sections of the Public Employees Retirement Act to enhance clarity and address inconsistencies related to disability and survivor pensions. A key provision establishes a disability review committee composed of retirement board members and at least one licensed physician to evaluate disability retirement applications. The bill allows members to credit personal service rendered to an affiliated public employer prior to August 1, 1947, provided they acquire one year of service credit. It also clarifies the process for purchasing service credit and reinstating it after withdrawal. Additionally, the bill exempts the collection of overpayments from the Procurement Code, enabling the association to recover funds erroneously paid to members or beneficiaries.

Further changes include modifications to survivor pension eligibility, ensuring that designated beneficiaries receive pensions if a member dies due to employment-related causes. The bill specifies the distribution of survivor pensions among eligible children and outlines the conditions under which surviving spouses or designated beneficiaries receive benefits. It also revises the retirement board's authority and membership structure, updates rules on member information disclosure, and establishes compliance with the Gift Act for retirement board members regarding gifts and contributions. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline pension processes, enhance fairness in survivor benefits, and ensure the integrity of the retirement system's governance.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 10-11-4, 10-11-4.2, 10-11-10.1, 10-11-14.5, 10-11-26.3, 10-11-130, 10-11-130.1, 10-11-135, 10-11A-7