Permits survivors of certain retired members of PFRS to apply for accidental death benefits.
Impact
The bill specifically identifies circumstances under which the deaths of retired members will be considered as having occurred in the line of duty. Deaths caused by complications resulting from injuries or the aggravation of pre-existing conditions that led to an accidental disability retirement will be recognized under the new provision. This change is significant as it extends the eligibility for benefits to a wider population of public safety survivors, thereby potentially alleviating some financial burdens associated with the loss of their earners.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2738 proposes significant amendments to the accidental death benefit provisions of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Its primary aim is to allow the surviving spouses and dependent relatives of retired police officers and firefighters, who passed away as a direct result of injuries related to their past service, to apply for accidental death benefits. This marks a notable expansion of existing law, which previously restricted these benefits only to the survivors of active members within the retirement system.
Contention
Despite its noble intent, A2738 may face varied opinions among stakeholders. Supporters of the bill highlight the importance of providing necessary financial support to families of fallen heroes who have previously dedicated their lives to public service. However, opponents might raise concerns about the potential financial implications for the pension fund and the state budget. This balancing act between upholding the fiscal responsibilities of the pension system and honoring commitments to public safety families creates a point of contention that may require further legislative scrutiny.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees.
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
A bill for an act relating to public safety personnel retirement systems, the taxation of surviving spouse pension benefits, and including retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 745.) Effective date: 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 01/01/2024.