Colorado 2024 Regular Session

Colorado Senate Bill SB186

Introduced
3/20/24  
Introduced
3/20/24  
Report Pass
4/18/24  
Refer
3/20/24  
Report Pass
4/18/24  
Engrossed
4/23/24  
Refer
4/18/24  
Engrossed
4/23/24  
Report Pass
4/29/24  
Refer
4/23/24  
Report Pass
4/29/24  
Engrossed
5/16/24  
Refer
4/29/24  
Engrossed
5/16/24  
Engrossed
5/16/24  
Passed
6/5/24  
Enrolled
5/16/24  

Caption

County Coroner & Deputy Coroner Public Employees' Retirement Association Eligibility

Impact

If SB186 is enacted, it will amend existing Colorado statutes to expand the definition of 'state trooper' to include coroners and deputy coroners, thereby aligning their retirement benefits with those of other law enforcement personnel. This amendment signifies a legislative effort to bolster the support and recognition of public employees who work in vital roles related to public health and safety. The implementation of this bill could also have significant financial implications for the state and local governments regarding retirement fund contributions and liabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 186 aims to classify county coroners and deputy coroners as state troopers specifically for the purpose of determining eligibility for service retirement benefits from the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). This reclassification means that individuals in these roles hired after January 1, 2021, will be eligible for the same retirement benefits currently afforded to state troopers. The bill reflects a recognition of the important role that coroners play in law enforcement and public safety.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB186 appears to be generally positive among supporters who believe that correlating coroner roles with state law enforcement will enhance the status and resources available to local coroners. Proponents argue that recognizing coroners as state troopers underscores the critical nature of their work and the responsibilities they carry. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential costs associated with expanding benefits, which could evoke discussion among fiscal conservatives or those wary of extending retirement benefits to additional categories of employees.

Contention

Despite the overall positive sentiment, there exists a notable contention regarding the fiscal implications of SB186. Critics might argue that expanding retirement eligibility could place an additional strain on the state's pension system, prompting debates about the sustainability of such expansions. The bill's language surrounding the eligibility criteria and its impact on existing retirement benefits for other public employees might also be questioned, leading to calls for a thorough examination of the long-term effects on the state's retirement funds.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CO SB169

State Firefighter Public Employees' Retirement Association Job Classification

CO HB712

AN ACT relating to the compensation of coroners and deputy corners.

CO HB28

Death benefits, grants state death benefits to coroners, deputy coroners, medicolegal death investigators, and medical examiners

CO HB1057

Public Employees' Retirement Association Employment After Teacher Retirement

CO HB625

Coroners; full-time county employees; provide

CO SB099

Public Employees' Retirement Association Employment after Retirement for Rural Schools

CO HB1101

Public Employees' Retirement Association Service Retiree Employment In Rural Schools

CO SB536

Coroners: employment rights.

CO SB065

Modification To County Coroners' Salaries

CO HB1427

Public Employees' Retirement Association Study Conducted by an Actuarial Firm

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.