Connecticut Senate Bill SB00306

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Credit In The State Employees Retirement System For Hazardous Duty Service In The Arizona Department Of Correction.

Impact

If enacted, SB00306 would provide a pathway for Connecticut state employees who previously served in hazardous conditions in Arizona to have their service recognized for retirement purposes. This would broaden the benefits available to state employees by allowing for the inclusion of out-of-state service, thereby enhancing their total service time in the retirement system. This could potentially make Connecticut jobs more attractive to current employees and future recruits who may have prior service in other states.

Summary

SB00306 aims to amend the Connecticut state statutes to enable members of the state employees retirement system to gain retirement credit for hazardous duty service performed in the Arizona Department of Correction. This bill is introduced with the purpose of recognizing and offering retirement benefits for employees who have served in significant and potentially dangerous roles outside of Connecticut's jurisdiction but within the state system. The eligibility extends to a maximum of eleven and one-half years of such service which can be included in the calculation of retirement benefits.

Contention

While the bill seems to offer benefits to state employees, there may be concerns amongst lawmakers regarding the implications of granting credit for out-of-state service. Questions could arise about how this impacts budget allocations for state retirement funds and whether such changes set a precedent for recognizing services from other states under varying conditions and regulations. Legislative discussions may need to address the fiscal responsibility as well as the fairness of crediting such outside service.