This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the awards and benefits provided to the dependents of State Police officers who are required to take disability retirement. The proposed changes aim to align these benefits more closely with those available to the dependents of officers who retire after serving twenty years without disability. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision that entitles the surviving spouse of a deceased officer or retirant to receive an annual payment equal to three-fourths of the retirement benefits the deceased was receiving or would have been entitled to, with a minimum guarantee of $5,000, replacing the previous calculation based on a percentage of the deceased member's salary over twenty-five years.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing benefits for dependent children and parents of the deceased, including monthly payments and educational scholarships. It clarifies the timing of beneficiary payments to ensure that dependents receive their benefits promptly following the death of the officer or retirant. Overall, the bill seeks to provide more equitable financial support to the families of State Police officers who face the challenges of disability retirement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2-33