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HB 3194

Relating to farmworker camps.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen and 14 co-sponsors

Shifts the SURS survivor-benefit waiver window from death to the date beneficiaries are notified of payable benefits; requires written waivers to the Board before any payment.

Chapter 504, (2025 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 3194

Summary — HB 3194 (40 ILCS 5/15-148)

Status: Enacted (Chapter 504, 2025 Laws). Governor signed July 18, 2025. Effective January 1, 2026.
Primary sponsor: Rep. Janet Yang Rohr.

Note on bill title: The legislative metadata lists the bill title as “Relating to farmworker camps,” but the enacted text amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/15-148) and deals with survivors insurance benefits. This summary addresses the actual statutory change.

Main purpose

To clarify and change the trigger for the six‑month period during which a survivors insurance beneficiary (or certain legal representatives) may waive their right to survivorship benefits under the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code (SURS-related provisions).

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends 40 ILCS 5/15-148 (Survivors general insurance provisions).
  • Revises the timing for when a survivors insurance beneficiary (or the personal representative of the beneficiary’s estate, or the representative of a beneficiary under a legal disability) may submit a written waiver of survivorship benefits.
    • Previous rule: the six‑month waiver period began counting from the date of the participant’s or annuitant’s death.
    • New rule: the six‑month waiver period begins from the date the System notifies the beneficiary (or representative) of the benefits payable upon that death.
  • Waiver must be given in writing to the Board of Trustees and must occur before any payment is made pursuant to an application filed by the beneficiary or representative.
  • Existing related rules remain: a person entitled to more than one survivors insurance benefit because of the death of two or more persons generally receives only the largest benefit; unpaid annuities due at death are paid to the annuitant’s estate.

Who is affected

  • Survivors insurance beneficiaries under the State Universities Article (beneficiaries of the State Universities Retirement System).
  • Personal representatives of deceased beneficiaries and representatives for beneficiaries under legal disability.
  • The State Universities Retirement System (Board of Trustees) — administrative responsibility to notify beneficiaries and to accept written waivers.
  • Potentially employers and payroll/benefit administrators to the extent they interact with SURS processes.

Practical effects and considerations

  • Shifts the starting point for the waiver period from the date of death to the date the System provides notification, which can give beneficiaries a clearer and often later effective start to the waiver window if notification is delayed.
  • May reduce inadvertent forfeitures where beneficiaries were not promptly notified of benefits.
  • Places importance on timely and documented notification by the System; disputes may arise over when notice was effectively provided.
  • Administrative impact on the System to ensure accurate notification records and to implement the new timing rule.

Effective date and legislative history

  • Enacted as Chapter 504 (2025 Laws). Effective January 1, 2026.
  • Introduced February 18–21, 2025; went through committee hearings and amendments in the House; passed both chambers in June 2025; signed by the Governor July 18, 2025.

If you want, I can provide the exact legislative text before and after amendment or a short checklist for SURS administrators to implement the change.

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

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