Arizona Senate Bill SB1667

Arizona 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Report Pass: 2/12/24
• Report DNP: 2/20/24

Caption

Retirement systems; post-traumatic stress disorder

Impact

The amendments will clarify and potentially broaden the scope of survivor benefits under Arizona's public retirement systems. Specifically, it assures that surviving spouses of public safety members, married for at least two years, can claim pensions based on the deceased's average monthly salary or the value of their pension, whichever is greater. This focus on death benefits serves to enhance financial security for families left behind by public safety personnel who suffer tremendously from their line of service.

Summary

SB1667 proposes amendments to Arizona Revised Statutes Sections 38-846 and 38-888, focusing on providing death benefits for surviving spouses and children of deceased members of public retirement systems. The bill delineates the eligibility criteria for these benefits, specifically targeting those public safety officials who die in the line of duty. Crucially, it recognizes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a significant factor in determining death claims, specifying that deaths determined as suicides can be reclassified as eligible for benefits if the deceased had been diagnosed with PTSD.

Contention

The bill's inclusion of PTSD as a qualifying condition in cases of suicide may lead to debate within the legislature regarding the classification of mental health issues in the context of life and death scenarios related to job stress. Some lawmakers may argue over the appropriateness of including such provisions concerning suicide, which might lead to discussions about broader mental health support within public safety sectors. The balance of supporting public servants while safeguarding against potential misuse of benefits will likely be a focal point of contention as the bill progresses.