19-3-1002. Eligibility for disability retirement. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), a member entering service prior to February 24, 1991, who is not eligible for service retirement or early retirement but who has at least 5 years of membership service and has become disabled while an active member is eligible for disability retirement, as provided in 19-3-1008.

(2) An active member who was hired prior to July 1, 2011, and is 60 years of age or older or was hired on or after July 1, 2011, and is 65 years of age or older and who has completed 5 years of membership service and has had a duty-related accident forcing the member to terminate employment but who has not received or is ineligible to receive workers' compensation benefits under Title 39, chapter 71, for the duty-related accident may conditionally waive the member's eligibility for a service retirement in order to be eligible for disability retirement. The waiver is effective only upon approval by the board of the member's written application for disability retirement. The board shall determine whether a member has become disabled. The board may request any information on file with the state compensation insurance fund concerning any duty-related accident. If information is not available, the board may request and the state fund shall then provide an investigative report on the disabling accident.

(3) (a) A member in service on February 24, 1991, has a one-time election to be covered for disability purposes under the provisions of 19-3-1008(2). This election is irrevocable and must be made in writing by the member no later than December 31, 1991. Coverage under the provisions of 19-3-1008(2) commences on the date the completed written election is received by the board or its designated representative. To be eligible for disability benefits under the provisions of this part, a member must have completed 5 years of membership service and must have become disabled while an active member.

(b) An individual who became a member after February 24, 1991, and before July 1, 2011, who has completed 5 years of membership service and has become disabled while an active member is covered for disability purposes under the provisions of 19-3-1008(2) or (3).

(4) A member hired on or after July 1, 2011, who has completed 5 years of membership service and has become disabled while an active member is covered for disability purposes under the provisions of 19-3-1008(4).