After HB 1050 passed out of the House on Jan. 28, the measure moved to the Senate where the bill was amended and passed. The House agreed to "concur" with the amendment. Now the bill waits for the governor's signature. HB 1050 would allow members of the 1977 Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension and Disability Fund to designate one or more beneficiaries to receive the 1977 fund member's contributions plus interest. There are two stipulations to the bill: first, the bill provides that if the fund member dies without receiving retirement and disability benefits then the beneficiary receives the benefits. Second, if a member does not have a spouse, child or parent entitled to receive survivor benefits, then the member can pick another beneficiary of their choice. The bill also would provide that if a member doesn't designate a beneficiary, the member's contributions and accumulated interest shall be refunded to the member's estate. "It's tremendous that this bill was able to pass out of the House and Senate without any major amendments that could have possibly slowed down the process of getting this bill sent to Gov. Daniels," Rep. Crouch said. "The police officers and firefighters deserve this piece of legislation which ensures the pension money they have worked hard for will go to a person of their choice." |
