FL S1518

Adds public works employees working in hazardous conditions to the Special Risk Class of the Florida Retirement System, effective July 1, 2018, including those exposed to chemical spills, confined spaces with oxygen deficiencies, asbestos, lead, toxic chemicals, and hazardous wastewater.

Adds police service aides employed by law enforcement agencies to the Special Risk Class, effective January 1, 2019, if their primary duties include providing support services and responding to emergency and nonemergency calls.

Clarifies certification requirements for law enforcement officers by stating sheriffs and elected police chiefs are not required to be certified under section 943.1395.

Makes minor grammatical and technical revisions to existing criteria for law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and individuals with qualifying line-of-duty injuries.

Declares that the Legislature finds providing fair and adequate retirement benefits to state and local government employees and their dependents serves an important state purpose.