HB 5447

Abstract

Amends the Downstate Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision that disqualifies a surviving spouse from receiving survivors benefits if the police officer marries after retirement, provides that the provision does not disqualify a surviving spouse from receiving a survivor's pension if (i) the police officer was married to the surviving spouse for at least 12 months prior to the death of the police officer and (ii) the surviving spouse has attained age 62. Provides that the benefit shall begin to accrue on the effective date of the amendatory Act or the first day of the month following the police officer's death, whichever is later. Provides that the benefits for such a surviving spouse shall terminate no later than 15 years after the benefits begin to accrue. Provides that the changes apply without regard to whether the police officer was in active service on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Changes from 12 months to 5 years the amount of time a police officer must have been married to the surviving spouse for the surviving spouse to receive a survivor's pension.