Tennessee Senate Bill SB0606

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Chaptered: 5/19/23
• Passed: 5/19/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 8, relative to reemployment after retirement.

Impact

If enacted, SB 0606 will impact how law enforcement agencies can hire retired officers, essentially allowing them to fill critical staffing shortages while ensuring retirees maintain at least some financial benefit from their previous service. However, by imposing restrictions on simultaneous reemployment provisions, the bill seeks to prevent possible exploitation of the retirement system while managing costs associated with reemployment. The bill also includes an expiry clause, set for June 30, 2025, which places added pressure on the legislative assembly to revisit this policy before it becomes permanent.

Summary

Senate Bill 0606 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the reemployment of retirees within the Tennessee consolidated retirement system. The bill outlines specific conditions under which retirees, particularly those involved in law enforcement, may return to work without forfeiting their retirement benefits. Notably, the legislation stipulates that retirees must have undergone the required annual training and cannot be reinstated until at least 60 days post-retirement. Additionally, during their reemployment, their retirement benefits will be reduced to 70% of the original allowance, and they are not allowed to accrue further retirement benefits during this period.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 0606 reflects a supportive stance from legislators concerned about public safety and the need for experienced personnel in law enforcement. Proponents argue that the bill addresses workforce shortages and encourages retired officers to return to service in a manageable way. Conversely, there are concerns regarding the impact on the retirement system's integrity and the potential risk of retired personnel being used extensively, which might undermine the retirement benefits originally designed to support them post-career.

Contention

Discussion around SB 0606 has sparked notable contention regarding its long-term implications for both the retirement system and the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies. Critics worry that the provision allowing retirees to return to work without losing benefits may lead to a preference for hiring older, experienced employees at the expense of new recruits, possibly stalling the career advancement of younger officers. The debate reflects a broader concern about balancing the needs of law enforcement with the health of the retirement system itself, making this bill a focal point for discussions on public service employment and retirement policy.