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Bill

SB 242

relative to the cost of living adjustments for certain group II retirees in the New Hampshire retirement system.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 5 co-sponsors

Bill would grant cost of living adjustments to New Hampshire public safety retirees (Group II) to preserve pension purchasing power during inflation.

Inexpedient to Legislate, Senate Rule 3-23, 10/31/2025; SJ 1
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Bill Summary · SB 242

Legislative bill overview

SB 242 would provide cost of living adjustments (COLAs) to Group II retirees in the New Hampshire Retirement System. Group II typically comprises public safety employees such as police and firefighters. The bill aims to help these retirees maintain purchasing power as inflation erodes their fixed pension benefits.

Why is this important

Public safety retirees on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable to inflation, which can significantly reduce their standard of living over time. COLAs are standard in many state retirement systems and directly affect the financial security of former law enforcement and fire service personnel. This also has budget implications for the state's pension obligations and overall retirement system sustainability.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: COLAs increase long-term state pension liabilities and require budgetary allocation that could affect other spending priorities or require tax adjustments
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether Group II employees deserve different COLA treatment than other public employee groups, or whether private sector retirees receive similar protections
  • Funding mechanism: Unclear whether COLAs would be funded through contribution increases, general revenues, or adjustments to the pension fund's actuarial assumptions

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

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