WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 782

Law enforcement officers and firefighters; certain shall receive one additional year of creditable services in PERS for every 5 years of service.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan McMillan

Mississippi bill would grant law enforcement and firefighters one bonus year of PERS retirement credit per five years served, increasing pension payouts but raising fiscal and equity concerns.

Died In Committee
#appropriationsa #stateaffairs
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 782

Legislative bill overview

HB 782 would grant law enforcement officers and firefighters an additional year of creditable service in the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for every 5 years of actual service completed. This means a 25-year career would count as 30 years toward retirement benefits. The bill died in committee during the 2025 legislative session.

Why is this important

Pension benefits directly affect retirement income security for public safety workers. This provision would increase their retirement payouts and potentially allow earlier retirement eligibility. The change carries significant long-term fiscal implications for state pension liabilities and taxpayer contributions to PERS.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal Impact: Expanding credited service increases unfunded pension liabilities; actuarial analysis would be needed to estimate state cost increases over decades
  • Equity Questions: Applies only to law enforcement and firefighters—raises fairness concerns about whether other public employees (teachers, administrative staff) deserve similar benefits
  • Sustainability: State pension systems nationwide face solvency concerns; additional service credits may strain long-term PERS funding without corresponding contribution increases
  • Precedent: Could prompt requests from other public employee groups for equivalent benefit enhancements

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

Sign in to ask a question.