Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF505

Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Introduced
3/2/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(Formerly SSB 1132.)

Impact

One of the most significant changes proposed by SF505 is pertaining to the benefits structure within the municipal fire and police retirement system. The bill amends sections concerning how injuries and diseases are treated within the context of occupational requirements. It stipulates that cities are required to provide medical attention for injuries and diseases that arise out of and in the course of employment, thus expanding the rights of public safety workers to receive comprehensive care and related benefits, particularly for diseases presumed to be contracted due to their line of duty, such as heart disease and cancer.

Summary

Senate File 505 (SF505) addresses civil service entrance evaluations and benefits specifically for police officers and firefighters within the municipal fire and police retirement system. The bill introduces amendments to existing code sections relating to medical evaluations required for these public safety positions, emphasizing not only physical fitness but also the necessity of mental health assessments. This addition aims to better prepare candidates for the unique psychological challenges associated with their duties, recognizing the importance of mental health in public safety occupations.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of SF505, there are notable points of contention surrounding its implementation. Critics could argue about the financial implications for cities in covering expanded health benefits or the administrative burden of complying with more stringent evaluation protocols. Furthermore, the necessity of mental health evaluations may raise concerns regarding the stigmatization of candidates and the potential impact on hiring processes. Balancing the need for comprehensive health support for police and firefighters against budgetary constraints will likely be a topic of debate as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

IA HF687

Similar To A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system. (Formerly HSB 237.)

IA SSB1132

Related A bill for an act relating to benefits concerning members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See SF 505.)

IA HSB237

Related A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See HF 687.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF687

A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system. (Formerly HSB 237.)

IA HSB237

A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See HF 687.)

IA SSB1132

A bill for an act relating to benefits concerning members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See SF 505.)

IA HF2482

A bill for an act concerning benefits relating to members of the public safety peace officers' retirement, accident, and disability system, and the municipal fire and police retirement system. (Formerly HF 2183.)

IA HF2680

A bill for an act relating to public safety personnel retirement systems, the taxation of surviving spouse pension benefits, and including retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 745.) Effective date: 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 01/01/2024.

IA HSB745

A bill for an act relating to public safety personnel retirement systems, the taxation of surviving spouse pension benefits, and including retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 2680.)

IA HB3158

Relating to the retirement systems for and the provision of other benefits to police and fire fighters in certain municipalities.

IA SB909

Relating to municipal civil service for fire fighters and police officers.

IA SB1805

Relating to municipal civil service for fire fighters and police officers.

IA HF2183

A bill for an act concerning benefits relating to members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See HF 2482.)

Similar Bills

IA SSB1132

A bill for an act relating to benefits concerning members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See SF 505.)

IA HSB237

A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system.(See HF 687.)

IA HF687

A bill for an act relating to police officers and fire fighters concerning civil service entrance evaluations and benefits for members of the municipal fire and police retirement system. (Formerly HSB 237.)

IA HF2680

A bill for an act relating to public safety personnel retirement systems, the taxation of surviving spouse pension benefits, and including retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 745.) Effective date: 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 01/01/2024.

IA HSB745

A bill for an act relating to public safety personnel retirement systems, the taxation of surviving spouse pension benefits, and including retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 2680.)

NJ S4556

Reinstates automatic COLAs for retirement benefits of certain SPRS members.

NJ A5726

Reinstates automatic COLAs for retirement benefits of certain SPRS members.

AZ SB1287

PSPRS; part-time employment