SB 255 - This act revises provisions of the sheriffs' retirement system.

A definition of "member" is added.

This act adds benefit eligibility for the surviving spouse of a member who has 8 or more years of service, but is not eligible for retirement.

DISABILITY. According to the current section on disability benefits, section 57.982, a member with at least 5 years of service who becomes totally disabled retires and receives disability benefits equal to 80% of his average final compensation. This section is repealed and re-enacted with changes distinguishing disability leave from retirement.

Under the changes, the member who is disabled due to the performance of his duty with no minimum years of service, or with a minimum of 5 years service if the disability is not in the performance of his duty, is placed on disability leave, rather than retiring.

After a maximum benefit period of 8 years or age 65, the member retires with a normal annuity. A member cannot receive disability leave and retirement benefits at the same time. Members on disability leave are allowed to receive medical insurance benefits.

The spouse of a vested member on disability leave is entitled to survivor benefits. The member is deemed retired on the date of his death.

MARGARET TOALSON