WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1336

Summary of House Bill 1336: Criminal Justice Reform

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1336
  • Title: Relating to Criminal Justice Reform
  • Status: Carried over to the 2024 Regular Session
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Arrests, Corrections, Courts, Parole, Pretrial Release, Revocation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1336 aims to amend existing laws concerning the administration and benefit plans of the State Police Retirement System. The bill focuses on enhancing the survivors' benefit options and updating provisions related to the Tier Two Deferred Retirement Option Plan. The intent is to ensure that the retirement benefits for state police officers are aligned with sound public pension policy and to provide necessary updates for effective administration.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments, particularly regarding survivor benefits and retirement options:

  1. Survivor's Pension:

    • A surviving spouse of a retirant will receive 75% of the retirant's pension if they are caring for dependent children. This amount reduces to 50% once the spouse no longer has dependent children.
    • If a retirant dies without a qualifying spouse, dependent children will receive an equal share of 75% of the retirant's pension, with a cap of 25% per child.

  2. Dependent Child Definition:

    • A child is considered dependent until they reach 23 years of age, marry, or die. This age limit can be extended for children deemed physically or mentally incompetent.

  3. Retirement Options:

    • Members may elect to receive their annuity as a straight life annuity or choose a reduced annuity with a designated beneficiary.
    • Specific provisions for calculating reduced annuities based on the ages of the retirant and beneficiary are included.

  4. Fee Adjustments:

    • The bill proposes to increase fees for copies of motor vehicle accident reports from $10 to $25 for basic reports, with a per-page fee for supplemental reports.

  5. Emergency Clause:

    • An emergency clause is included, making the bill effective on July 1, 2025, to ensure timely implementation of the changes.

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 1336 will primarily affect:
- State Police Officers: Enhancing their retirement benefits and providing better financial security for their families.
- Dependent Children: Ensuring they receive adequate support in the event of a parent's death.
- State Budget: Adjustments in fees for accident reports may provide additional funding for the State Police Retirement System.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to committees.
  • April 1, 2025: Amendment No. 2 adopted; bill engrossed.
  • April 9, 2025: Bill passed third reading and adopted with an emergency clause.
  • April 16, 2025: Notification that HB 1336 is now Act 672.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 1336, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on state police officers and their families.

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

Sign in to ask a question.