Oklahoma Senate Bill SB10

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System; authorizing rehire under certain circumstances; providing for members to continue receiving benefits during rehiring period; prohibiting accrual of further credited service.

Impact

This amendment means that retired law enforcement personnel can return to work without losing their retirement income under specific circumstances. Such a policy aims to encourage experienced personnel to reenter the workforce, addressing potential shortages in law enforcement while also providing financial security for retirees who may still wish to contribute to public service.

Summary

Senate Bill 10, introduced by Senator Bullard, amends the provisions of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System concerning retired members who choose to return to work. The bill allows retired members to be reemployed by state agencies while continuing to receive their retirement benefits, provided that these positions are not covered by the retirement system. However, if a reinstated member is employed in a position covered by the system, their benefits will be suspended during this period of employment.

Contention

A notable point of contention that may arise from SB10 includes concerns regarding the financial sustainability of the retirement system when retirees can draw benefits while being reemployed. Critics may argue that this could lead to increased expenditures, impacting the overall fiscal health of the law enforcement retirement fund. Furthermore, there may be debates about the fairness and implications for younger officers who may see limited opportunities in favor of returning retirees.