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HB 4485

Retirement: county employees; employment of retirant in a county sheriff's office; allow without forfeiting retirement allowance. Amends sec. 12a of 1851 PA 156 (MCL 46.12a).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 34 co-sponsors

Michigan bill allows retired county employees to work in sheriff's offices while keeping full retirement benefits, easing staffing but increasing pension costs.

bill electronically reproduced 05/08/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4485

Legislative bill overview

HB 4485 modifies Michigan law to allow retired county employees to work in county sheriff's offices without losing their retirement benefits. Currently, section 12a of the 1851 County Employee Retirement Act (MCL 46.12a) contains restrictions that may forfeit or reduce retirement allowances if retirees take certain employment. This bill removes that barrier specifically for sheriff's office positions.

Why is this important

County sheriff's offices across Michigan face staffing challenges, and this change could help fill positions by expanding the pool of available workers to include experienced retirees. However, it also creates potential fiscal implications for county pension systems, as it allows individuals to simultaneously receive retirement payments while earning new wages—essentially double-dipping from county budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension fund sustainability: Allowing retirees to collect full benefits while working may increase long-term costs to county pension systems without corresponding employee contributions from the retiree's new wages
  • Fairness concerns: Current workers may view this as preferential treatment, especially if hiring retirees is prioritized over promoting or hiring younger employees
  • Scope limitation: The bill targets only sheriff's offices; stakeholders may question why other county departments with staffing needs are excluded, or conversely, worry about setting a precedent for broader changes

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

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