Bill
SB 1147
SB 1147 changes OFPRS: new volunteer pension rules, vesting options, paid-firefighter criteria, and a 0–6% targeted post-retirement increase starting mid-2026.
Oklahoma SB 1147 (2026) – Summary
Overview and purpose
- SB 1147, introduced for the 2026 Oklahoma Legislature, concerns the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS), with provisions to modify volunteer firefighter pension amounts, adjust levels for compensation determinations, and authorize a targeted post-retirement benefit increase for certain retired members.
- The measure also includes conforming amendments to the Oklahoma Pension Legislation Actuarial Analysis Act and sets effective dates for new provisions.
Key provisions and changes
1) Volunteer firefighter pension amounts (Section 49-101)
- For retirees who qualify, the monthly pension for volunteer firefighters who retired prior to the act’s effective date remains at the amount they were receiving when pensions began, for each year of credited service up to 30 years.
- Those who retire on or after the effective date receive a monthly pension of $10 per year of credited service, up to 30 years.
- Fractional-year crediting: 6 months or more counts as a full year; less than 6 months does not.
- Municipal retirement floors: retirees shall receive at least the pension level in effect for their municipality as of June 30, 1985.
2) Vesting benefit for shorter service (Section 49-101)
- Volunteer firefighters who terminate after 10 years but before 20 years of service may receive a vested benefit starting at age 50 (or earlier if they would have reached 20 years). The monthly vested amount equals the then-current monthly benefit multiplied by credited years of service.
- If such a vested-benefit recipient dies before eligibility, the beneficiary receives the benefit as if the member would have been eligible.
3) Active service compensation test (Section 49-101.2)
- An active volunteer firefighter who receives annual compensation from the fire department equal to or exceeding a specified multiple of the pension benefit (historically tied to benefits paid to long-serving retirees) is deemed a “paid firefighter.” They must meet physical and agility requirements to remain an active member of the System.
- Credited service earned under this paid-firefighter rule cannot be used to count as actual experience for purposes of meeting paid-fire chief qualifications, and no cross-department compensation exchange is allowed.
4) Benefit increase for existing retirees (New Section 49-143.8)
- Beginning June 30, 2026, retirees who are currently drawing OFPRS benefits and continue to receive them after the effective date are eligible for an increase:
- 0% for retirees with less than 10 years in retirement as of June 30, 2026.
- 3% for retirees with 10–<20 years in retirement as of that date.
- 6% for retirees with 20+ years in retirement as of that date.
- Offset: any ongoing increases previously authorized under repealed Section 49-136 (retiree increases) would be used to offset this new increase.
5) Technical and effective-date provisions (Sections 4–6)
- Aligns definitions and terminology with the Oklahoma Pension Legislation Actuarial Analysis Act.
- Effective dates: Sections 1–3 become effective November 1, 2026; Section 4 (actuarial definitions) becomes October 1, 2026.
Impact and who is affected
- Volunteer firefighters across Oklahoma who are OFPRS members would see changes to pension calculations for new retirees (higher potential starting pension at $10 per year of service) and updated vesting options for shorter-service retirees.
- Current retirees could receive a multi-year benefit increase (0%, 3%, or 6% based on years retired as of June 30, 2026), funded with actuarial considerations and offset by prior increases where applicable.
- The bill also clarifies and tightens rules around who is considered a “paid firefighter,” with implications for eligibility, eligibility determinations, and cross-department compensation practices.
Effective dates and process
- Certain provisions take effect October 1, 2026, while others become operative November 1, 2026, with the general rule that the bill’s actuarial analysis framework governs fiscal impact.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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