The coverage was for prospective service. Retirement annuities are enhanced compared to a general employee plan. For the retirement annuity, the individual would received 1.9 percent of the high-five average salary, rather that 1.7 percent or less in a general employee plan. The normal retirement age is age 55, with early reduced retirement is permitted as early as age 50. In contrast, in general employee plans the normal retirement age is between age 65 or 66, and early reduced retirement is permitted at age 55.
Disability benefits are also more generous than in general employee plans.
The disability benefit is computed like a retirement benefit but without any reductions, and the minimum duty-related benefit is equivalent to a 25 year service pension. The minimum non-duty related disability benefit is equivalent to a ten year service pension. These new disability benefit provisions replaced the enhanced disability benefit that had passed a year earlier. The 2000 Legislature again revised the plan, partly in response to county officials who were concerned about eligibility issues. Presumably, the plan was established to provide special coverage, not provided to general employees, due to the danger of working in contact with inmates.