Bill > H0917

This bill, titled the "Officer Scott Pine Act," amends the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to establish new death benefits for members of the Special Risk Class who are killed in the line of duty. Specifically, it allows for death benefits to be paid to the surviving spouse or children of these members, outlining the qualifications, eligibility, calculation methods, and termination conditions for these benefits. The bill also adjusts employer contribution rates to fund these changes and ensures that the new survivor benefit program meets federal tax qualification requirements, with provisions for the State Board of Administration (SBA) or Division of Retirement to take action if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notifies them of any disqualification. The act declares that it fulfills an important state interest by providing basic protections for state employees and their dependents through a soundly managed retirement system.