West Virginia House Bill HB4614

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/15/22
• Engrossed: 2/28/22
• Refer: 3/1/22

Caption

Providing optional retirement service credit for unused accrued annual or sick leave days for municipal police and firefighters

Impact

This bill is significant as it directly impacts the retirement benefits structure of municipal police and firefighters in West Virginia. By allowing unused leave days to count towards service credit, the bill increases the potential retirement benefits for these workers, who often face demanding job conditions and may accumulate leave that they are unable to use during their careers. This new provision may act as an incentive for retention and improve job satisfaction within these public service sectors.

Summary

House Bill 4614 aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to allow municipal police officers and firefighters to use their unused accrued annual or sick leave days as service credit for retirement benefits. Specifically, the bill permits members of the retirement system to opt to use these leave days at the time of their retirement to acquire additional credited service. Each day of accrued leave would be converted into two days of credited service, potentially offering substantial benefits to retiring first responders who have accumulated significant leave over their careers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4614 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, given that it passed the House with a unanimous vote of 96-0. Stakeholders from the police and firefighting communities likely expressed strong support for the bill, as it acknowledges their sacrifices and provides a tangible benefit for their service. This unanimous backing reflects a bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting first responders in their retirement.

Contention

Although there does not seem to be significant public contention regarding HB 4614, key considerations include how the bill will be funded and its long-term implications on the municipal retirement system. There may be concerns about the fiscal impact this could have on state and municipal budgets if many employees utilize their leave days for retirement service credits. Addressing these financial implications is essential for ensuring the sustainability of retirement benefits for future service members.