This bill amends the Emergency Medical Services Retirement Act in West Virginia to introduce benefits for members who are partially disabled due to duty-related injuries or illnesses. Specifically, it establishes that a member who is partially disabled will receive 45 percent of their average full monthly compensation for the 12-month period preceding their disability award. Additionally, if the member remains partially disabled until they reach 60 years of age, they will then be eligible for retirement benefits as outlined in sections 16-5V-16 and 16-5V-17 of the code.

The bill also defines "partially disabled" as a member's inability to perform the duties of a police officer or firefighter due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last for at least 12 months. This definition allows for the possibility that a partially disabled member may still engage in other forms of employment, provided that their earnings do not exceed two-thirds of the average annual compensation of active members in the plan. The bill aims to enhance support for emergency medical services personnel by recognizing and compensating those who experience partial disabilities in the line of duty.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5V-19