This bill amends the death benefits for firefighter members in the guard firefighter pension plan by establishing a survivor's pension for eligible surviving spouses and dependent children. The new provisions specify that in lieu of the existing death benefit, any eligible surviving spouse or dependent children of a firefighter member who dies while in service will be entitled to a survivor's pension. The monthly pension amount will be the greater of 50% of the firefighter member's final average salary or the account based on service credit accrued until the member's death. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for the surviving spouse and dependent children, as well as the conditions under which the pension will be paid.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as "dependent child" and "final average salary," and specifies that the survivor's pension will begin the month following the firefighter member's death. If the surviving spouse dies, the pension will then be payable to any dependent children. In the absence of eligible recipients, death benefits will revert to the existing provisions under current law. The act will apply to firefighter members whose deaths occur on or after July 1, 2027, and will take effect on that same date.

Statutes affected:
27LSO-0031 v0.5: 9-3-431