Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4958

Introduced
3/14/24  

Caption

Public employees local government correctional service retirement plan eligibility of public safety telecommunicators modification; employee contribution rate for public safety telecommunicators establishment; vesting requirements for public safety telecommunicators modification; 911 telecommunicator definition modification

Impact

The implications of SF4958 are significant as it seeks to adjust the employee contribution rates for public safety telecommunicators, establishing a rate of 6.5% of salary compared to 5.83% for other members of the local government correctional service retirement plan. Adjustments will also be made to vesting requirements, enabling more equitable access to retirement benefits, which can serve to attract and retain skilled personnel in this critical field. By providing better retirement security, the state aims to affirm the value of telecommunicators in their essential function of coordinating emergency responses.

Summary

SF4958 focuses on enhancing the retirement plan eligibility for public safety telecommunicators within Minnesota. Recognizing the critical role these professionals play in public safety, the bill aims to modify existing retirement benefits to ensure that public safety telecommunicators, who operate as first responders, receive appropriate retirement schemes similar to those available to more traditionally recognized first responders. This legislative effort underscores the importance of 911 call responders in emergency management and public service.

Contention

While the bill generally presents beneficial changes for public safety telecommunicators, potential points of contention might arise around the impacts of increased contribution rates on public employees' take-home pay. Additionally, discussions may emerge on the structure of retirement plans and whether the defined benefits adequately reflect the risks and responsibilities faced by public safety telecommunicators. Stakeholders may argue about the balance between competitive compensation and the financial sustainability of public retirement systems.

Companion Bills

MN HF4796

Similar To Public employees local government correctional service retirement plan; eligibility to add public safety telecommunicators modified, employee contribution rate for public safety telecommunicators provided, vesting requirements for public safety telecommunicators modified, and 911 telecommunicator definition modified.

Previously Filed As

MN HF4796

Public employees local government correctional service retirement plan; eligibility to add public safety telecommunicators modified, employee contribution rate for public safety telecommunicators provided, vesting requirements for public safety telecommunicators modified, and 911 telecommunicator definition modified.

MN H1413

911 Public Safety Telecommunicators

MN SB0158

Public safety telecommunicators.

MN H0291

911 Public Safety Telecommunicators

MN SF3179

State Patrol retirement plan and public employees police and fire retirement plan modifications

MN SF2980

Public Employees Retirement Association provisions modifications

MN ACR63

California Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

MN SCR129

California Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

MN ACR31

California Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

MN SCR27

California Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Similar Bills

MN HF3966

Public safety telecommunicator training and continuing education requirements established, Public Safety Telecommunicator Training and Standards Board established, rulemaking authorized, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF3432

Public safety radio and crime victims account establishment

MN HF3230

Public safety radio and crime victims account established, report required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1566

Requirements established for commissioner of health to administer lifeline centers to respond to 988 contacts, 988 prepaid wireless fee and 988 telecommunications fee authorized, rulemaking authorized, and money appropriated.

MN SF2588

Suicide and crisis lifeline establishment and appropriation

MN SF2788

Public safety telecommunicators certification process establishment and appropriation

MN HF2464

Certification process established for public safety telecommunicators, and money appropriated.

MN HF844

Provisions governing broadband workforce plan data modified, investigative authority modified, and provisions governing underground telecommunications infrastructure modified.