Bill > H2942

This bill provides a special retirement benefit for Kristen Arakelian, the surviving spouse of Brandon Arakelian, a former State Police Sergeant who passed away by suicide on June 4, 2021, after experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite existing laws that might typically restrict such benefits, the bill directs the state board of retirement to grant Kristen a lifetime monthly allowance equivalent to what she would have received if Brandon had been awarded an accidental disability retirement based on his PTSD. The bill specifically requires that any previously paid superannuation pension amounts be deducted from this new allowance. The legislation is retroactive to June 4, 2021, the date of Brandon's retirement, and will take effect immediately upon passage, providing a compassionate exception to standard retirement benefit rules for a surviving family member of a state police officer who died under difficult circumstances.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2942