NJ S3590

Increases the accidental death benefit from 50% to 70% of final compensation for surviving spouses and children of certain PERS members, specifically law enforcement officers, correction officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, hazardous materials first responders, and fire instructors who were ineligible for Police and Firemen's Retirement System membership.

Extends accidental death benefits to retirants (not just active members) in these categories when death results from a duty-related accident, allowing benefits for delayed manifestations of injuries or diseases from such accidents.

Expands the definition of "child" for these specific members to include unmarried children under 18, those 18+ enrolled in secondary school, and those under 24 enrolled full-time in higher education (at least 12 credit hours per semester), in addition to disabled children of any age.

Provides that individuals determined eligible for federal death benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act based on the death of these PERS members or retirants shall also be eligible for the state accidental death benefit.

Amends survivor definitions for "widow," "widower," and "parent" to apply equally to both active members and retirants in these covered occupational categories.