IL HB5232

Surviving spouses of Chicago firefighters who die while receiving occupational disease disability benefits may elect to receive the deceased firefighter's disability benefit instead of the standard widow's or Tier 2 surviving spouse annuity.

Eligibility requirements for the surviving spouse to receive the disability benefit are the same as those for the widow's or Tier 2 surviving spouse annuity.

The provision applies to firefighter deaths occurring on or after the effective date, regardless of whether the deceased firefighter was in service when the law takes effect.

Occupational disease disability benefits cover conditions including heart disease, cancer, lung diseases, AIDS, hepatitis C, stroke, and MRSA that result from firefighting service, set at 65% of salary at time of removal from payroll.

The State Mandates Act is amended to exempt this requirement from state reimbursement to local governments.