Wisconsin Senate Bill SB273

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/23
• Refer: 5/8/23
• Refer: 5/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Law enforcement and fire fighter annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer. (FE)

Impact

The proposed legislation highlights a significant change in state retirement policy by allowing certain annuitants—specifically retired law enforcement officers and firefighters—to maintain their annuity while being rehired after retirement. Currently, any person reemployed under conditions that meet at least two-thirds of full-time work must suspend their annuity. SB273 permits exceptions for those who retired without a pre-existing agreement to return to WRS-covered employment, thus hoping to attract experienced personnel back into critical public safety roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 273 addresses the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) concerning annuitants who were previously law enforcement officers or firefighters and wish to be rehired by a WRS-participating employer. The bill creates an exception to the existing mandate that requires annuitants to suspend their annuity payments upon reemployment with a participating employer if certain criteria are met. This aims to recognize the unique circumstances of retired public safety officials returning to the workforce.

Contention

There are concerns regarding the implications of this bill, especially from the perspective of fiscal responsibility within the state budget, as it may lead to increased expenditures related to annuity payments. Some may argue it creates a potential disincentive for hiring younger personnel into critical roles, as the law allows for the continued financial support of retirees who may take these positions. Despite these challenges, supporters argue it enhances the flexibility required to ensure that experienced officers and firefighters are available to meet public safety needs.