Classifying county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System and the treatment of county jailers under the Municipal Employment Relations Act. (FE)
Impact
One key aspect of SB28 is its financial implications. County jailers employed in counties that did not classify them as protective occupation participants prior to July 1, 2022, who opt to be classified as such after the bill's effective date will be responsible for the additional employer costs associated with their new classification. This includes contributions to a duty disability program, which could create financial burdens for some counties. Conversely, jailers already classified as protective occupation participants will not face these extra costs, potentially creating disparities in retirement benefits and costs among different counties.
Summary
Senate Bill 28 aims to classify county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), granting them retirement benefits similar to those of active law enforcement and firefighting professionals. The bill modifies existing laws that currently require participants to have principal duties involving active law enforcement or fire suppression to qualify. Under this new classification, county jailers, regardless of sworn status or full-time employment, will gain benefits such as a lowered retirement age and a higher pension multiplier, enhancing their retirement security.
Contention
The introduction of SB28 has sparked debates regarding the equity and practicality of benefits distribution among public safety employees. Proponents argue that county jailers encounter dangers similar to other protective occupation participants and deserve commensurate benefits. However, opponents raise concerns over the financial implications for counties and the potential for increased costs in public safety budgets. Furthermore, the amendment to the Municipal Employment Relations Act raises questions about the classification and treatment of county jailers in collective bargaining units, with implications for their rights to negotiate wages and working conditions.
Classifying county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System and the treatment of county jailers under the Municipal Employment Relations Act. (FE)
Contributions by protective occupation participants and separation from service for retirement benefits under the Wisconsin Retirement System (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Employee Trust Funds).
Contributions by protective occupation participants and separation from service for retirement benefits under the Wisconsin Retirement System (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Employee Trust Funds).
County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Classifying county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System and the treatment of county jailers under the Municipal Employment Relations Act. (FE)
Relating to service credit, retroactive provisions, and the refund of accumulated contributions for certain members of the West Virginia Public Employees Retirement System