Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF3636

Introduced
2/13/24  

Caption

State auditor's volunteer firefighter working group recommendations implemented, volunteer firefighters relief associations governing provisions modified, and conforming changes made.

Impact

The legislation has significant implications for the financial management of volunteer firefighters' service pensions. Relief associations will be required to provide actuarial estimates before making amendments that could affect their financial obligations. This step aims to maintain fiscal responsibility and prevent underfunding, which has been a concern in the past. The effective date of these provisions is set for January 1, 2025, providing time for municipalities and relief associations to adapt to the new requirements.

Summary

House File 3636 aims to implement the recommendations of the state auditor's volunteer firefighter working group by modifying the governance of volunteer firefighters relief associations in Minnesota. The bill introduces clarifications and regulations regarding amendments to the articles of incorporation or bylaws of these relief associations, particularly related to increases in service pensions and other retirement benefits. The necessity for a municipal ratification process is emphasized, ensuring that any amendments must be substantiated with estimates of their financial implications.

Contention

Some points of contention arise around the potential bureaucratic burden that these additional requirements might impose on volunteer firefighter organizations. Critics may argue that the ratification and estimation processes could delay important changes needed to adjust retirement benefits in line with current needs. Conversely, supporters emphasize the need for greater accountability and transparency in how relief associations manage their funds and obligations to ensure that benefits remain sustainable and secure for firefighters and their families.

Companion Bills

MN SF3574

Similar To Recommendations implementation of the state auditor's volunteer firefighter working group

Previously Filed As

MN HF3286

State Auditor's volunteer firefighter working group recommendations; volunteer firefighters relief association provisions amended, and conforming changes made.

MN SF3316

Volunteer firefighters relief association provisions modification

MN SF3574

Recommendations implementation of the state auditor's volunteer firefighter working group

MN SF5062

Public Employees Retirement Association statewide volunteer firefighter plan provisions modifications and technical and conforming changes

MN HF1828

State auditor's fire relief association working group recommendations implemented.

MN SF1341

State auditor's fire relief association working group recommendations implementation

MN HF2928

State Auditor's volunteer firefighter working group recommendation; relief association special fund asset or liability threshold increased for required annual financial report and audited financial statements.

MN HF5039

Public Employees Retirement Association statewide volunteer firefighter plan; defined contribution plan added, frequency of funding requirement determinations reduced, firefighters with previous service allowed to request service credit for vesting purposes, and other technical and administrative changes made.

MN HF2777

Statewide volunteer firefighter retirement plan; requirements applicable to relief association after affiliated fire department joins statewide volunteer firefighter retirement plan amended.

MN SF1975

Mid-year effective date provision for joining the Public Employees Retirement Association statewide volunteer firefighter plan for the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association and the Loretto Firefighters Relief Association

Similar Bills

MN HF3286

State Auditor's volunteer firefighter working group recommendations; volunteer firefighters relief association provisions amended, and conforming changes made.

MN SF3316

Volunteer firefighters relief association provisions modification

MN SF3574

Recommendations implementation of the state auditor's volunteer firefighter working group

MN HF5040

Pensions supplemental budget bill.

MN SF4643

Omnibus Pension bill

MN HF2950

Pension policy bill.

MN SF3467

Pensions provisions modification

MN SF2884

Omnibus Pension bill