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A 6288

Allows beneficiaries of certain deceased members to elect to receive death benefits in a lump sum

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Billy Jones and 2 co-sponsors

Would let beneficiaries of certain deceased members choose a lump-sum death benefit instead of ongoing payments; not enacted as of Sept 8, 2025.

ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6288

A 6288 – Summary

A 6288 would have allowed beneficiaries of certain deceased members to elect to receive death benefits in a lump sum. As of September 8, 2025, the bill’s enacting clause was stricken, meaning it did not advance to enacted law.

Purpose and intent

  • Provide an option for beneficiaries to elect a lump-sum payment of death benefits for certain deceased members, rather than any other existing payout form (e.g., ongoing annuity or periodic benefits).
  • Expand flexibility in how death benefits can be distributed to beneficiaries of eligible members.

Key provisions (as introduced)

  • Eligibility: The bill would apply to beneficiaries of "certain deceased members" (the exact categories would be defined in the bill’s text; the summary indicates a targeted group within a public employee or retirement benefits context).
  • Benefit election: Eligible beneficiaries could choose to receive the death benefit as a lump-sum payment.
  • Administration: The bill would set the process and criteria for making the lump-sum election, including timing, documentation, and any required approvals.
  • Financial considerations: The option could have actuarial and funding implications for the relevant retirement or benefit systems, including potential changes to payout schedules and funding requirements.

Affected entities and beneficiaries

  • Beneficiaries of certain deceased members within the relevant benefits program (likely a public employee retirement system or similar entity).
  • The administering agency or retirement system responsible for death benefits.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to Governmental Employees on March 3, 2025 (listed twice in the record).
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Billy Jones
    • Cosponsors: Angelo Santabarbara and Stacey Pheffer Amato
  • Related actions: Enactment-related actions occurred later in 2025, with the enacting clause being stricken on September 8, 2025 (recorded twice).
  • Companion and related bills:
    • Senate companion: S 6406
    • Related Assembly bills from prior sessions: A 9934, A 9084, A 5630

Potential impact and considerations

  • For beneficiaries: Increased choice in how death benefits are received, potentially improving financial planning opportunities.
  • For the state/retirement system: Possible actuarial and budgetary implications due to lump-sum distributions, including upfront cost considerations and any long-term funding impacts.
  • Administrative: Requires clear guidelines for eligibility, election deadlines, and processing to prevent disputes and ensure smooth implementation.

Next steps (if revived)

  • A future bill would need to reintroduce similar language and pass both chambers, with an enacted clause and any necessary fiscal notes.
  • A Senate companion or revised language could be introduced to address funding and administrative details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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