Bill > S4391

This bill increases the accidental disability pension for members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) who are permanently disabled by a weapon in the line of duty. Currently, such members receive a pension of 66 percent of their final compensation, but under this bill, they will receive 100 percent of their final compensation. When the retiree reaches mandatory retirement age, the pension will then be reduced to 80 percent of their final compensation. The bill also introduces the concept of "adjusted final compensation," which means the member's compensation will continue to increase by the same percentage as active members' compensation schedules until the member would have turned 65, had they remained in continuous service. The term "weapon" is defined according to New Jersey statute N.J.S. 2C:39-1. This provision applies to members who have already retired with an accidental disability or who will retire with an accidental disability, and they can apply for these enhanced benefits through the PFRS board of trustees. The bill aims to provide additional financial support for public safety workers who suffer severe, weapon-related injuries in the line of duty.