Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1132

Introduced
2/2/23  
Introduced
2/2/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed changes are intended to simplify the process by which a member can seek retirement benefits due to disability. By modifying the eligibility criteria, SSB1132 aims to make it easier for beneficiaries to access financial support if they are incapacitated due to work-related conditions. Increasing the employee contribution rate from 9.4% to 9.55% is also a significant financial adjustment that impacts the funding of the retirement system, potentially affecting all members within the municipal retirement framework.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1132 (SSB1132) addresses various benefits related to the municipal fire and police retirement system, particularly focusing on modifications to definitions and eligibility criteria for members seeking retirement on the basis of disability. Key amendments include refining the definition of 'member in good standing' and establishing clearer protocols for ordinary and accidental disability beneficiaries. The bill aims to ensure that police and firefighters who suffer incapacitating injuries or conditions while performing their duties are entitled to adequate retirement benefits and medical coverage.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding SSB1132 indicate potential pushback regarding the financial implications for both employees and municipalities. Some stakeholders express concerns about the escalating costs associated with increased employee contributions and how this might impact overall recruitment and retention within these essential public safety positions. Additionally, there may be debates concerning the definition of 'ordinary disability beneficiary,' as adjustments here could affect the monetary and medical benefits that those employees might receive, sparking discussions about fairness and adequacy of the support systems in place.

Companion Bills

IA SF505

Replaced by 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.)

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.)

IA HF687

Replaced by 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.)

Similar Bills

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 SF505

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.)

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.)

NH HB1559

Repealing the chapter relative to cash dispensing machines, relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence, and relative toestablishing the New Hampshire Canadian trade council fund.

NH HB185

Relative to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities based on shared parenting and requiring all municipalities and school governing bodies to post on their official website the amount of funds received by the state either by allocation or grant.

NJ A3715

Provides certain health care benefits to surviving dependents of accidental disability retiree who participated in 9/11 WTC rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; clarifies eligibility criteria for recalculation of retirement allowance for such participation.