Oklahoma Senate Bill SB897

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/18/21
• Engrossed: 3/15/21
• Refer: 3/22/21
• Refer: 3/23/21
• Refer: 4/11/22
• Report Pass: 4/12/22

Caption

Firefighters Pension and Retirement System; allowing municipalities under certain population to hire certain retired members; no additional service credit; prohibiting certain reemployment. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB897 will amend existing laws to allow municipalities with populations of 20,000 or less to employ retired firefighters as fire chiefs. This change recognizes the need for specialized leadership within smaller fire departments while also stipulating that the retired individuals hired for this role shall not receive any additional retirement service credit during their tenure. Thus, it attempts to balance the deployment of experienced personnel with the protection of the financial sustainability of the pension system.

Summary

Senate Bill 897 addresses the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, establishing provisions for municipalities of a certain size to hire retired firefighters as fire chiefs. The bill redefines regulations surrounding the reemployment of retired firefighters while ensuring they do not accrue additional service credit towards their retirement benefits when serving in these positions. It reflects Oklahoma's legislative commitment to adapt employment standards within its firefighting departments, aiming to manage workforce needs effectively while maintaining pension integrity.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiments surrounding SB897 appear to lean towards the positive, particularly from municipal leaders and firefighters' associations. Supporters argue that the bill will provide municipalities with the flexibility needed to address staffing shortages and ensure competent leadership within fire departments. However, there might be concerns among some stakeholders about the potential implications for pension systems and whether such measures undermine the stability and benefits of the retirement program.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB897 is the prohibition of retired firefighters from collecting benefits while serving as fire chiefs, raising questions about the fairness and attractiveness of such roles. There is a delicate balance to achieve; while municipalities will benefit from experienced leadership, it must not come at the expense of the financial well-being of pension plans or the rights of retired employees. The bill may intensify the discussions about pension reform and employment structures in the state.