Vermont House Bill H0049

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

An act relating to establishing a statewide retirement system for voluntary firefighters

Impact

The introduction of H0049 could significantly enhance the financial security of voluntary firefighters in Vermont, many of whom serve their communities without the traditional benefits offered to full-time firefighting personnel. By enabling these firefighters to participate in a state-sanctioned retirement plan, the bill seeks to improve recruitment and retention within fire departments across the state, ultimately bolstering local emergency response capabilities.

Summary

House Bill 0049 aims to establish a statewide voluntary retirement system specifically designed for voluntary firefighters in Vermont who are not eligible for other existing state retirement systems, such as the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System (VSERS) or the Vermont Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (VMERS). This initiative is intended to provide voluntary firefighters with a structured retirement savings plan, recognizing their service while addressing a gap in retirement benefits for this group.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards supporting voluntary firefighters, there may be concerns regarding funding and the administration of the new retirement system. Stakeholders may debate how the system will be financed, particularly whether it will require additional tax revenues or adjustments to existing funds allocated for municipal services. Additionally, the challenge of integrating this new retirement system within the framework of Vermont's current retirement systems may be a subject of contention among legislators and local government officials.