Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB28

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Engrossed: 3/14/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Enrolled: 3/24/23
• Chaptered: 4/6/23
• Passed: 4/6/23

Caption

Classifying county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System and the treatment of county jailers under the Municipal Employment Relations Act. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of AB28 would have a significant impact on the retirement benefits of county jailers, aligning their treatment with that of other protective occupation employees. The bill modifies existing statutes to create a clear path for classification and inclusion in protective occupation provisions, which can improve the retirement security of county jailers. Upon enactment, it would streamline the process and outline conditions under which certain contributions might be made differently based on their employment status.

Summary

Assembly Bill 28 aims to classify county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System and address their treatment under the Municipal Employment Relations Act. The bill introduces changes to the way county jailers are classified for retirement purposes, allowing them to receive creditable service for their time worked if classified correctly as protective occupation participants. This classification is crucial for determining retirement benefits, as it affects their eligibility for certain advantages typically reserved for law enforcement and similar roles.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding AB28 appears to be positive among those advocating for county jailers' rights and benefits, as it provides greater recognition of their role and responsibilities. Supporters argue that this classification is long overdue and improves equity within the workforce. However, there are some concerns regarding the financial implications for municipalities that may result from enhanced retirement benefits. This reflects broader tensions in budget considerations versus personnel welfare.

Contention

Notable points of contention around AB28 include potential budget impacts on counties and the fairness of differentiating between types of law enforcement roles. Some lawmakers and local officials fear that increased benefits could strain municipal budgets, prompting debates about funding sources for these changes. Additionally, discussions have arisen about the classification process itself, particularly the criteria for determining which jailers qualify, raising questions of fairness and equity in job roles.