HB 5609

Abstract

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that if a firefighter who is unable to perform his or her duties because of an occupational disease or disability dies within the initial one-year period during which he or she continues to receive salary rather than an occupational disease disability benefit, the firefighter's surviving spouse may elect to receive the same benefits (including health care benefits) as she or he would have qualified for if the deceased firefighter had been receiving an occupational disease disability benefit at the time of death. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.