PENCD-CHI POLICE-PRIOR SERVICE
By amending the Chicago Police Article, the bill will enable eligible officers to establish up to 10 years of service credit in increments of six months, provided they meet specific criteria. These criteria entail that the credit must not be available under any other provision and that any previously awarded service credit from similar roles has been terminated. The implementation of HB3343 does represent a shift to benefit active policing personnel as it acknowledges past service contributions that previously may have been disregarded without this adjustment in the law.
House Bill 3343, introduced by Rep. Kelly M. Burke, amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. The bill allows certain active policemen to establish credit for prior law enforcement service, specifically targeting individuals who became members of the Fund on or after December 1, 2019. Rather than adhering to a two-year application requirement after starting employment, these officers now have until December 31, 2023, to apply for credit. This change is significant as it effectively extends the period during which new members can seek recognition for their previous service in the law enforcement sector.
One notable aspect of HB3343 is its stipulation within the State Mandates Act, which requires that the implementation of this bill must occur without reimbursement from the state. This raises a point of contention as it could potentially place financial burdens on local entities responsible for fulfilling these new obligations. Critics may express concern about the implications for the funding of local police pensions and the overall impact on municipal budgets, especially if there are significant costs associated with processing these applications and providing the corresponding service credits.