Virginia House Bill HB2328

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System; extends membership to 911 dispatchers.

Impact

If passed, HB2328 will significantly modify existing retirement laws under the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System. By including dispatchers in the system, the bill will facilitate access to retirement benefits that were previously unavailable to them. This change not only acknowledges the importance of dispatchers in emergency management but also aligns their benefits with those of law enforcement officers working in the field, providing recognition and support for their critical contributions to public safety.

Summary

House Bill 2328 aims to extend the membership of the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System to include full-time salaried dispatchers for public safety answering points. The bill recognizes the essential role that 911 dispatchers play in public safety and seeks to offer them enhanced retirement benefits similar to those received by traditional law enforcement officers. This amendment to Virginia law is intended to provide greater financial security for dispatchers, ensuring they receive comparable benefits to their peers in law enforcement roles.

Contention

There may be points of contention among legislators regarding the fiscal implications of expanding the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System. Some lawmakers might express concerns over the potential financial burden this bill could place on the state’s pension system or question the fairness of extending law enforcement benefits to dispatchers. Advocates for HB2328 will likely argue for its necessity by emphasizing the unique challenges and responsibilities that dispatchers face, advocating that their inclusion in the retirement system serves both justice and equity for emergency service workers.