DE SB31

Increases burial benefits for retired state employees receiving pensions from $7,000 to $10,000, the first increase since 2001

Applies the benefit increase to multiple pension plans including the State Police Pension Plan, Delaware County and Municipal Police and Firefighter Pension Plan, and the early retirement option for state employees

Raises the maximum recoverable funeral expenses in wrongful death lawsuits from $7,000 to $10,000, as that amount is tied to the state pension burial benefit

Benefits are paid to a designated beneficiary or, if none is designated, to the deceased pensioner's estate

Takes effect on October 1, 2025, to allow implementation after the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act provides funding