Sen. Rogers: conference report for Senate Bill 14 adds budget-committee review for retired medical benefit increases and raises 77 fund death benefit to $15,000

Sen. Rogers presented the conference committee report for Senate Bill 14 and explained the bill remains largely intact as it left the chamber, with one procedural addition requiring budget-committee review before any increase in the state contribution to the retired medical benefits account.

"Before any increase in the state contribution amount, the amount must be reviewed by the budget committee established by IC 4-12-1-3," Rogers said, noting the review adds a layer of fiscal oversight.

Rogers also said the conference report increases the death benefit paid from the 77 fund from $12,000 to $15,000, a sum he said had not changed in more than 18 years.

The committee moved to report the conference committee report to the Senate; the roll call passed 11–0. The committee recessed and returned to the chamber floor.