Bill > A4748

This bill extends the accidental death benefit for survivors of certain State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees, specifically those who participated in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations and developed a qualifying health condition. Previously, this benefit was only available if the retiree died before July 8, 2019, and had received an accidental disability retirement allowance. This legislation removes the death date restriction and expands eligibility to survivors of retirees who received ordinary disability, special, or service retirement allowances, provided the retiree was enrolled in SPRS at the time of their World Trade Center participation and the death is linked to a qualifying condition determined by the medical board. The bill also clarifies that a written and sworn statement previously required for certain disability retirements is not necessary for these survivors to receive the accidental death benefit, and it ensures that the lump sum death benefit of 3 1/2 times final compensation applies. The bill also allows former spouses and children who were receiving benefits to apply for the accidental death benefit under similar conditions, with a two-year application window from the date of death or the bill's effective date, whichever is later, and clarifies health benefit premium coverage.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4748