Correcting duty disabilities language (new law)

A law passed in 2007 tightened language relating to the definition of duty disability for firefighters and peace officers. It had two unintended consequences that are addressed in a new law.

The Public Safety Officers Benefit Panel, which is to sunset on July 1, 2008, currently determines who qualifies for the disability. A new law, signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty on April 25, assigns that duty to the Public Employees Retirement Association.

“If we don’t do this by July 1, there would be no one to determine if they qualify for duty disability,” said Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park), who sponsors the law with Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley).

The law also corrects an untended “quirk,” that, according to Nelson, denied health benefits to these same injured workers if they were between the ages of 50 and 55. The new law allows for them to maintain their health care coverage.

HF3503/SF2403*/CH243