FL S1518

Effective July 1, 2021, adds 40 new job classifications to the Special Risk Class of the Florida Retirement System for employees at Florida State Hospital, Northeast Florida State Hospital, developmental disability centers, and the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center who spend at least 75 percent of time performing duties involving contact with patients or inmates.

New covered positions include behavioral program specialists, licensed practical nurses, chaplains, classroom teachers, custodial workers, dental assistants, direct services aides, food support workers, health support aides, human services counselors, pharmacy technicians, and therapy aides, among others.

Makes technical corrections to existing special risk membership criteria, including clarifying that sheriffs and elected police chiefs are not required to be certified under law enforcement officer provisions and adjusting language related to correctional officer duties.

Declares that extending special risk retirement benefits to these state hospital and facility employees serves an important state interest in providing fair and adequate retirement protections managed in an actuarially sound manner.