STATEHOUSE (Feb. 16, 2010) - Lawmakers in the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation, authored by State Sen.Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville), designed to give police and firefighters more flexibility in designating retirement and pension funds to their estates or beneficiaries.
 
By a final vote of 92-0, members of the House passed Senate Bill 172 that would give members of the 1977 Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension and Disabilities Fund new options if they are not already collecting disability or retirement payments.

“I am pleased the bill received unanimous support by House lawmakers and is one step closer to becoming law,” Becker said. “SB 172 would allow members who may not have qualified beneficiaries the choice to have a brother, sister or caretaker be a designated recipient of the funds.”

Created by the Indiana General Assembly, the 1977 Fund allows members to deposit up to 6 percent of their annual salary into the benefits package, while cities match up to 19.5 percent of the members’ salary. Members can use the fund to collect disability or retirement benefits.

Becker said current Indiana law states if the member dies while on the job only a surviving spouse, children or parent can be the designated beneficiaries of the benefits.  The remaining funds provided by the city stay in the plan to benefit other members.

Currently, Senate lawmakers are considering similar legislation - House Bill 1050 - proposed by House Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville). Becker is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.

Gov. Mitch Daniels will now receive SB 172 for final consideration.

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Sen. Becker represents Senate District 50, which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.