Bill > SB647

This bill modifies the disability retirement provisions for members of the Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System and the State Police Retirement System, particularly for those participating in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), which is a program allowing eligible members to defer their retirement benefits. Specifically, it expands the criteria for receiving a full disability retirement allowance to include situations where a member is totally and permanently unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a duty-related injury, even if they are not completely incapacitated for their former duties. This change ensures that officers who suffer a career-ending injury in the line of duty, preventing them from working in any capacity, receive a pension equivalent to 100% of their average final compensation, in addition to their accumulated contributions, rather than a potentially lesser amount. The bill also clarifies the process for verifying these disabilities and outlines requirements for recipients to report their annual income to prevent benefit reductions if they are able to engage in substantial gainful activity.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0647?ys=2026RS