FL S1204

Redefines "special risk member" in the Florida Retirement System to reference criteria in section 121.0515 instead of listing specific categories in the definition itself.

Adds public acute care hospital employees effective July 1, 2010 to the special risk membership class if employed by hospitals serving trauma patients, those with deadly or crippling infectious diseases, accused or convicted violent criminals, or those exposed to hazardous materials or toxic substances.

Reorganizes special risk membership criteria by consolidating effective dates and categorizing eligibility by employment type (law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, probation officers, healthcare workers, youth custody officers, forensic specialists, and hospital employees).

Establishes legislative findings that special risk classification for public acute care hospital employees serves an important state interest and complies with constitutional requirements for actuarially sound retirement benefits.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.