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H 4213

Declare Wednesday, Apri 15, 2025 as "Children's Advocacy Center Day" in South Carolina

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 121 co-sponsors

Egremont firefighters can continue active service past statutory retirement age if fit, with pay not reduced after 65, and possible medical fitness exams.

Adopted, returned to House with concurrence
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Bill Summary · H 4213

Summary: H.4213 - An Act relative to the continued employment of firefighters in the town of Egremont

Purpose and intent

This local Act allows certain Egremont firefighters to remain in active service beyond the age at which they would normally be mandatorily retired, subject to fitness. Specifically, it authorizes call firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and fire engineers in Egremont to continue serving until their actual retirement date or non-reappointment, even if they would otherwise reach the statutory retirement age.

Key provisions

  • Age and service extension (Section 1a): For Egremont, the mandatory retirement age rules tied to general laws (including Chapter 32 and the 1987 Chapter 415 framework) do not bar continued service. Eligible personnel may stay in their positions until (a) their actual retirement or (b) their non-reappointment, as long as they are mentally and physically capable of performing duties. The town may require an impartial physician examination at the employee’s expense to assess fitness, with the physician acceptable to the town.
  • No pension deductions for post-65 service (Section 1b): The town may not deduct regular compensation for any service performed after reaching age 65 for retirement or pension purposes. This addresses compensation handling for service beyond the typical retirement age.
  • Effective date (Section 2): The act takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • Affected group: Call firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and fire engineers employed in the town of Egremont.
  • Context: These individuals would be eligible to continue working past the usual retirement threshold, contingent on fitness and not being forcibly retired due to age.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: June 9, 2025
  • Filed: June 2, 2025
  • Committee: Referred to the Public Service Committee (June 9, 2025)
  • Legislative actions:
    • Senate concurred on June 12, 2025
    • Hearing initially scheduled and later updated to accommodate a session on September 17, 2025 (with revisions to end time)
  • Status note: The hearing was rescheduled to September 17, 2025 (1:00 PM–2:00 PM, B-2, with a virtual option and updated end time). Public hearing dates reflect ongoing consideration.
  • Related bills: HD 4787 is noted as related/replacing this measure.

Practical impact and considerations

  • The bill provides a path for experienced Egremont firefighters to remain in service beyond age 65, potentially affecting staffing flexibility and institutional knowledge in the fire department.
  • The provision for an impartial medical examination ensures ongoing fitness but also imposes potential costs and scheduling considerations on the employee.
  • By prohibiting deductions from regular compensation for post-65 service, the bill clarifies pay treatment for extended service years.

Overall, H.4213 creates a targeted exception to general retirement rules for Egremont’s firefighters, balancing continued service with fitness reviews and compensation protections.

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

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