Connecticut House Bill HB05564

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/21
• Refer: 1/26/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Continuation Of Retirement Allowances For Certain Retirees Upon Subsequent Employment By A Board Of Education.

Impact

The passage of HB05564 would create a significant change in how retirement benefits are managed for specific public safety personnel. By allowing retired firefighters and police officers to work in educational settings without losing their retirement allowances, the bill aims to fill public safety roles in schools with qualified retirees. This provision would likely enhance security measures in educational institutions while benefiting retirees who wish to stay active in their professions. It also implicitly acknowledges the value that experienced public safety personnel can bring to the educational environment.

Summary

House Bill 05564 addresses the continuation of retirement allowances for certain retirees who take up employment with school boards in public safety roles. Specifically, the bill proposes amendments to section 7-438 of the general statutes, allowing retired members of municipal fire and police departments to retain their retirement benefits when subsequently employed by educational institutions. However, these retirees would not accumulate additional credit in the municipal retirement system during this period of employment. The intention behind this bill is to allow retired public safety personnel to contribute their expertise to educational settings without sacrificing their retirement benefits.

Contention

While the bill seems beneficial in supporting retired public safety personnel and enhancing school safety, it may raise concerns regarding the implications for the municipal retirement system. Critics might argue that permitting retirees to receive their allowances while taking jobs in public safety could lead to financial strain on the retirement system. Additionally, there could be debates about fairness, as this policy may not extend to all retired personnel across different occupations. Stakeholders may express worry about the precedent it sets for future changes in retirement statutes, potentially leading to broader calls for reforms in how retirement benefits are administered.