HB 2382 Summary

• Clarifies eligibility definitions for Employees' Retirement System (ERS) service-connected disability and accidental death benefits by adding five new statutory definitions: "accident," "actual performance of duty," "definite and exact time and place," "incapacitated for duty," and "occupational hazard."

• Defines "accident" as a single traumatic unlooked-for mishap that is not expected, not a routine job risk, interrupts normal duties, and directly causes permanent incapacity or death, excluding medical conditions and unexpected results of routine performance without external force.

• Establishes that permanent incapacity or death primarily caused by natural deterioration or progression of pre-existing conditions does not qualify as service-connected disability or accidental death unless the pre-existing condition itself was caused by an occupational hazard; shifts burden of proof to the member.

• Requires "definite and exact time and place" for accidents (not just "some definite time"), requires "actual performance of duty" in the member's actual position with full contributions made, and limits "occupational hazard" to dangers inherent and unique to a particular occupation.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050, and applies only to applications and claims filed after that date; does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that matured or began before the effective date.