Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.
Impact
If enacted, S691 would allow county fire instructors who had been terminated from the PERS membership within two years prior to the bill's effective date to be reenrolled provided they repay any contributions and interest previously returned. This inclusion would rectify the situation for instructors who have faced significant hurdles in accessing retirement benefits due to inconsistent employment status over the years. The bill's immediate effect aims to improve job security and retirement planning for fire instructors, enhancing their professional status.
Summary
Senate Bill 691 (S691) aims to establish eligibility for enrollment and retirement benefits in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) specifically for county fire instructors who meet certain criteria. The bill targets individuals who were employed by a county as fire instructors prior to November 1, 2008, and stipulates conditions under which they can gain service credit and receive retirement benefits. This measure addresses historical issues surrounding the eligibility of county fire instructors within the retirement system due to their irregular work schedule.
Contention
While the bill is primarily focused on expanding benefits for this specific group, discussions surrounding it may involve concerns about resource allocation within the PERS system as well as the impact on the state budget. Stakeholders may debate the fairness of retroactively applying benefits to individuals whose employment conditions were historically subject to differing interpretations. Furthermore, there might be scrutiny regarding how this expansion of benefits aligns with broader public sector reform objectives and the management of retirement funds.
Requires eligibility checklist and audit for enrollment in PERS of certain public employees who provide professional services; imposes fine on certifying officer or supervisor for ineligible enrollments.
Requires eligibility checklist and audit for enrollment in PERS of certain public employees who provide professional services; imposes fine on certifying officer or supervisor for ineligible enrollments.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Authorizes retired firefighters to be employed as fire science instructors by career and technical education centers without a reduction of their retirement benefits.
In membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for termination of annuities; in membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility for benefits relating to retirement for State employees and officers, further providing for mandatory and optional membership in the system and participation in the plan; and, in benefits, further providing for termination of annuities.
In membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for termination of annuities; in membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility for benefits relating to retirement for State employees and officers, further providing for mandatory and optional membership in the system and participation in the plan; and, in benefits, further providing for termination of annuities.
Professions and occupations; State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering; licenses and fees; extending sunset; modifying certain membership qualification under certain condition; effective date; emergency.