Committee passes bill letting judges name non‑spouse beneficiaries for survivor benefits

AB 1844, presented by Assemblymember Pacheco, would update the Judges' Retirement System II (JRS 2) to allow judges to designate a non‑spouse beneficiary to receive survivor retirement benefits and ensure that all vested judges can access survivor protections.

Supporters said current law generally limits designation to a spouse or registered domestic partner, leaving unmarried judges — including those with long‑term partners or adult dependents — unable to name others to receive continuing pension payments. Mike Belote, speaking on behalf of the California Judges Association, called the change "simple and clarifying" and pledged amendments to ensure any changes are revenue‑neutral.

There was no recorded opposition and the committee passed the measure as amended and referred it onward. The clerk reported the item out of committee on a unanimous tally.

Next steps: AB 1844 moves to Appropriations with committee amendments and a pledge to maintain revenue neutrality.