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Bill

Bill

HB 5384

AN ACT CONCERNING HAZARD PENSIONS FOR CERTAIN JUDICIAL EMPLOYEES.

2026 Regular Session

Connecticut bill expands hazard pension benefits for certain judicial employees, increasing state retirement liabilities and long-term pension costs.

REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 5384

Legislative bill overview

HB 5384 modifies pension benefits for judicial employees in Connecticut who perform hazardous duties. The bill appears to create or expand a "hazard pension" classification that provides enhanced retirement benefits for qualifying judicial staff members. This represents a reclassification of certain judicial workers' compensation and retirement eligibility.

Why is this important

Hazard pay classifications directly affect employee retirement security and state pension liabilities. Expanding hazard pension eligibility increases long-term fiscal obligations for Connecticut's pension system while potentially improving recruitment and retention of judicial workers in high-risk roles. This creates immediate budgetary trade-offs between employee benefits and state fiscal health.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill's cost to Connecticut's already-strained pension system is not specified in available summaries, making it difficult to assess affordability
  • Definition of "hazard": What specific judicial roles qualify as hazardous work and the justification for including certain positions may be disputed
  • Equity concerns: Expanding benefits for one group of public employees may prompt similar demands from other state workers or raise questions about fairness across job classifications

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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