CA AB1844

Allows judges in the Judges' Retirement System II to designate any beneficiary (not just a spouse) to receive survivor benefits and optional retirement payment allowances after the judge's death, subject to community property rights of the spouse.

Extends all survivor benefits previously available only to surviving spouses—including monthly retirement allowances and death benefits—to designated beneficiaries.

Removes the requirement that a judge must have had a minimum of 20 years of service for their surviving designated beneficiary to receive an allowance equal to what the judge would have received if retired on the date of death.

Permits judges to designate beneficiaries by class and allows the Board of Administration to make conclusive determinations about beneficiary identity and entitlement.

Applies to judges retiring on or after January 1, 2018, with certain early retirement provisions expiring January 1, 2029.