Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.
Impact
This bill modifies the existing framework of state laws regarding the PERS, particularly addressing the eligibility of fire instructors for retirement benefits. By allowing previously excluded individuals to gain service credit, it ensures that the years of service performed under specific conditions are recognized and compensated. This change underscores a commitment to support public safety employees and enhances the retirement security of those who play crucial roles in community safety.
Summary
Bill S871 establishes eligibility for enrollment in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for certain county fire instructors, providing criteria under which these instructors can secure retirement benefits. Specifically, the bill targets those instructors who were enrolled before November 1, 2008, and were continuously employed by a county, granting them service credit for their time served. It aims to rectify prior exclusions from retirement benefits based on service eligibility assessments made within five years preceding the bill's enactment.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding S871 appears largely supportive among public sector advocates and community members who recognize the essential contributions of fire instructors. However, there may be some contention regarding the fiscal implications of expanding retirement benefits. As with many legislative changes, there are concerns about the impact on state finances and the precedent it sets for similar professions seeking similar recognition and benefits.
Contention
There were debates regarding the potential fiscal impacts of this expansion of eligibility on the state’s budget, particularly considering that retirement benefits can significantly strain public funds. While many legislators and stakeholders agree on the importance of rewarding public service, discussions included questions about how such changes would be funded and whether they might lead to increased financial burdens on taxpayers or potential cuts in other services.
Same As
Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.
Carry Over
Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.
Carry Over
Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.
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.
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.
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.