IL HB6296

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code to modify survivor benefits for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2011.

Removes provisions specifying annuity amounts for surviving children and parents, focusing survivor benefits exclusively on surviving spouses.

Establishes a minimum widow's annuity for all surviving spouses regardless of whether the deceased firefighter was active or had less than 10 years of service.

Provides surviving spouses of active firefighters with at least 10 years of service an amount equal to 66 2/3% of the retirement annuity the firefighter would have received at age 55.

Applies retroactively to deaths occurring before the effective date and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.