(a) Notwithstanding Section 22846, the Legislature shall, upon the death of a legislative employee while in service, continue to pay employer contributions for health benefits for a period not to exceed 120 days beginning in the month of the employee’s death. The surviving spouse or other eligible family member shall be advised of all rights and obligations during this period regarding the continuation of health benefits as an annuitant by the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

(b) This section shall apply to employees of the Legislature to the extent that the benefits have been elected. The employer for purposes of this section is the Senate or the Assembly as is applicable to the employee at death while in legislative service. The Senate Committee on Rules or the Assembly Committee on Rules, depending on the employment status of the decedent, shall provide the advisements required by subdivision (a).

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 189, Sec. 1. (SB 835) Effective January 1, 2023.)