PEN CD-IMRF-SLEP BENEFITS

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Increases the retirement formula for sheriff's law enforcement employees (SLEPs) to 2.5% of the final rate of earnings for each year of SLEP service. Increases the maximum pension payable to a SLEP from 75% to 80% of the final rate of earnings. Removes the 2-year service requirement for earning new benefits after a return to service as a SLEP. Makes these changes apply to persons in service on or after July 1, 2004. Also increases the additional employee contribution paid by SLEPs to 2.5% of salary. Eliminates the reduction in benefit imposed on a surviving spouse who is more than 5 years younger than the deceased member, for the surviving spouse of any member who dies on or after the effective date. Allows a SLEP to convert up to 10 years of non-SLEP service credit into SLEP credit by paying the difference in employee and employer contributions, plus interest. Makes the additional unfunded liability for all changes subject to a full 30-year amortization period. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.