Bill > S1813

This bill amends existing law to allow certain State employees to apply for an accidental disability benefit through the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), even if their injury occurred immediately before they officially became a PERS member. Specifically, it covers traumatic events that happen while an employee is working in roles like doctor, nurse, healthcare worker, social worker, or correction officer at a State psychiatric institution or correctional facility, caring for or guarding incarcerated individuals. This provision applies if the employee was temporarily employed and not yet eligible for PERS membership at the time of the injury, but then became a PERS member without any break in that employment. The intent is to treat such injuries as if they occurred during active PERS membership, making these employees eligible for accidental disability benefits under specific circumstances.