Modifying retirement and disability benefits for dependents of State Police

HB 5230 aligns the retirement and disability benefits for dependents of West Virginia State Police officers who take disability retirement with the benefits available to dependents of officers who retire after 20 years of service without disability. It amends §15-2-33 to ensure that dependents of officers qualifying for disability retirement receive the same benefit calculations as dependents of standard retirees - specifically, the greater of either 5.5% of the officer’s 25-year salary average or 75% of the officer’s retirement benefits (with a $5,000 minimum). This change directly affects spouses, children, and parents of State Police officers who leave service due to disability. The bill ensures consistency in benefits without altering existing minimum payments ($5,000 or $6,000 annually) or scholarship provisions for dependent children.