New Jersey Assembly Bill A4748

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/24
• Refer: 9/19/24

Caption

Extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees.

Impact

This bill modifies existing provisions that currently protect and provide for survivors of SPRS members. Under current legislation, benefits were only available for those whose relatives had a qualifying condition tied to World Trade Center recovery efforts, and only if the member died before a specified date. A4748 broadens this scope, allowing for applications from families irrespective of death date, provided the member had received a retirement benefit.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4748 aims to extend accidental death benefits to the survivors of certain retirees of the State Police Retirement System (SPRS). The bill addresses the eligibility criteria for surviving spouses and children, notably allowing benefits for those whose deceased family members had received different types of retirements but not limited to just those who qualified under the accidental disability provisions. One significant change is the removal of the specific date limitation set by previous law, which only allowed for claims by those whose family members died before July 8, 2019.

Contention

A significant point of contention arises from the removal of the previous limitation on death dates. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a necessary clarification to ensure that all survivors are treated fairly and that their claims are not unjustly dismissed due to arbitrary timelines. On the other hand, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for the SPRS benefits fund, as expanding eligibility could increase the number of claims and potentially strain resources.

Notification

The bill also mandates that the SPRS notify eligible surviving spouses and children about their benefits and any changes enacted by this law within 60 days via certified mail, further ensuring that those entitled to benefits are informed in a timely manner.