Increases PFRS accidental disability pension when disability is caused by weapon.
Impact
This legislative change is designed to offer greater financial security to public safety employees who may face heightened risks associated with their professions. By ensuring a full pension in cases of disability due to weapon-related incidents, the bill aims to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these individuals. It also establishes a framework to ensure the compensation continues to adjust based on active member salary increases until the retiree reaches the age of 65, thereby enhancing the long-term financial welfare of retired members.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5091 introduces significant enhancements to the accidental disability pension system for members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) in New Jersey. The bill specifically addresses instances where a member becomes permanently disabled due to trauma from a weapon while performing their duties. Under the provisions of A5091, the pension amount will be increased from the previous rate of 66% to a full 100% of the member's final compensation, thus providing a more substantial financial support system to those injured in the line of duty.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its intent to better protect and compensate public safety workers, it could also face pushback regarding budgetary implications. Increased pension payouts could place additional strain on state retirement funds, and there may be concerns regarding the precedent it sets for pension policies overall. Critics may argue that such enhancements need to be balanced with the fiscal responsibilities of the state, potentially leading to discussions on funding and sustainability within the PFRS.
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.
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 medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline.
Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline.
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.