FL S0230

Adds employees of water, sewer, or other public works departments of participating employers to the Special Risk Class of the Florida Retirement System, effective July 1, 2021

Qualifying public works employees must perform duties involving hazardous conditions, such as responding to chemical releases or spills, working in confined spaces with oxygen deficiencies or poisonous gases, cutting materials containing asbestos, pouring lead joints, or working with toxic/hazardous chemicals requiring a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus

Special Risk Class membership provides enhanced retirement benefits compared to the Regular Class, recognizing occupations that involve physically demanding or hazardous duties

The Legislature declares the act fulfills an important state interest by extending fair and adequate retirement protections to state and political subdivision employees, as required by Article X, Section 14 of the State Constitution

The act amends section 121.0515, Florida Statutes, adding a new membership category under subsection (2)(i) and new qualifying criteria under subsection (3)(k), with an effective date of July 1, 2021