SR 5 Summary

• Authorizes introduction of a bill to clarify the definition of "eligible inactive retiree" under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program for former General Assembly members and state-elected constitutional officers.

• Requires eligible inactive retirees to have participated in the program for at least 5 cumulative years before retirement to qualify for enrollment and must pay the entire premium cost.

• Modifies eligibility requirements for state employee and public school employee retirees, requiring at least 5 cumulative years of program participation before retirement to continue coverage.

• Allows retirees who declined initial enrollment due to other employer coverage to make a one-time election to participate if they experience a qualifying loss of that coverage, with proof of the 5-year participation requirement.

• Declares an emergency to address inadequate funding and sustainability of the health benefits program for public school and state employees, with the act effective upon Governor approval or veto override.