SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 487

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 19, 2020

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 487.

      This bill enhances the accidental death benefit of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) for a member’s surviving spouse.  Currently, that benefit is 70% of the compensation upon which contributions by the member to PFRS were based in the last year of creditable service.  The bill provides an alternative benefit, if larger, of $50,000 annually.

      Dominick Marino, late past-president of the Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF/AFL-CIO), was the impetus for this bill.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.