Kentucky 2022 Regular Session

Kentucky House Bill HB259

Introduced
1/10/22  
Refer
1/10/22  
Refer
1/18/22  
Report Pass
2/8/22  
Engrossed
2/11/22  
Refer
2/11/22  
Refer
2/14/22  
Report Pass
3/16/22  
Report Pass
3/29/22  
Refer
3/30/22  
Enrolled
3/30/22  
Enrolled
3/30/22  
Chaptered
4/8/22  

Caption

AN ACT relating to employees of the Kentucky State Police and declaring an emergency.

Impact

The implementation of HB 259 is likely to reshape the current statutory framework governing employee benefits for the Kentucky State Police, especially focusing on those in hazardous duty positions. By introducing a hybrid cash balance plan, the law is set to provide a multifaceted approach to retirement, blending specific contributions made by employees and employers while also accounting for accumulated sick leave. These changes could instigate a more competitive landscape for attracting talented individuals to law enforcement roles, thus potentially reducing turnover rates and bolstering the workforce within Kentucky's public safety agencies.

Summary

House Bill 259, pertaining to employees of the Kentucky State Police, proposes significant amendments to the retirement benefits structure for those in hazardous positions. The bill aims to introduce a hybrid cash balance plan that provides enhanced retirement benefits dependent on factors such as accumulated sick leave and employer contributions. This reform is positioned to attract and retain qualified personnel by improving financial incentives associated with long-term service in hazardous roles. Furthermore, the bill declares an emergency, allowing certain provisions to take effect immediately, which underscores the urgency attributed to enhancing public safety personnel’s benefits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 259 appears largely supportive among legislators who view the bill as a necessary enhancement to the retirement options available for Kentucky State Police employees. This support stems from a recognition of the physically demanding and often dangerous nature of police work, prompting a collective desire to ensure that law enforcement officers receive fair compensation in retirement. While proponents celebrate the legislative intent behind the bill, it is important to consider the fiscal implications and how this may affect the broader state budget in terms of funding these enhanced benefits.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the funding mechanisms required to sustain the hybrid cash balance plan, as these provisions depend on reliable employer contributions and state budgeting. The emergency clause encapsulated within the bill reflects an acknowledgment of immediate needs but also raises questions about the sustainability of these enhanced pension benefits over time. Stakeholders may debate whether sufficient financial resources will be allocated to meet these obligations without negatively impacting other vital services or sectors within the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KY SB374

AN ACT relating to employees of the Department of Kentucky State Police.

KY HB572

AN ACT relating to Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conservation officers and declaring an emergency.

KY HB668

AN ACT relating to Kentucky Employees Retirement System employers and declaring an emergency.

KY SB299

AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and declaring an emergency.

KY HB394

AN ACT relating to the Kentucky State Police.

KY HB566

AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation and declaring an emergency.

KY SB163

AN ACT relating to transportation and declaring an emergency.

KY SB164

AN ACT relating to government personnel policies and declaring an emergency.

KY HB250

AN ACT relating to Kentucky State University, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

KY SB165

AN ACT relating to education and declaring an emergency.

Similar Bills

KY SB209

AN ACT relating to public employee benefits.

KY HB277

AN ACT relating to the public defender system and declaring an emergency.

KY HB668

AN ACT relating to Kentucky Employees Retirement System employers and declaring an emergency.

KY HB297

AN ACT relating to the retirement and declaring an emergency.

KY SB10

AN ACT relating to retiree health provisions of the County Employees Retirement System.

KY SB270

AN ACT relating to Kentucky Employees Retirement System employers.

KY HB587

AN ACT relating to public charter schools.

KY HB541

AN ACT relating to public charter schools.