MD SB647

Creates a new "catastrophic injury" disability category for Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System and State Police Retirement System members who are totally and permanently unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a line-of-duty accident

Provides enhanced benefits equal to 100% of average final compensation (plus accumulated contributions annuity) for catastrophic injuries, compared to the standard two-thirds of average final compensation for regular accidental disability

Reduces enhanced benefits to standard disability levels if the recipient becomes employed by a participating employer or engages in any substantial gainful activity

Requires recipients of enhanced benefits to annually submit federal tax returns and supporting documentation to the State Retirement Agency, with benefits suspended after 45 days of non-compliance

Mandates annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Pensions beginning November 1, 2028, on application numbers, approvals, benefit reductions, and suspensions; effective date July 1, 2027