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HR 4672

To extend the break-in-service consideration for firefighter retirements, and other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Fitzpatrick and 2 co-sponsors

HR 4672 allows firefighters with service breaks to receive retirement credit, ensuring their contributions are recognized and benefits accurately reflect their service.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 4672

Summary of HR 4672: Extension of Break-in-Service Consideration for Firefighter Retirements

Bill Number: HR 4672
Introduced: July 23, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Committee: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Purpose and Intent

HR 4672 aims to amend the definition of "firefighter" under Title 5 of the United States Code and extend the consideration of break-in-service periods for firefighters' retirement benefits. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who have previously served as firefighters, but experienced breaks in service, can still receive credit for their service when calculating retirement benefits.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Firefighter:

    • The bill revises the definition of "firefighter" to include:
      • Employees primarily engaged in controlling and extinguishing both nonwildland and wildland fires.
      • Employees who have transitioned to supervisory or administrative roles after serving as firefighters for at least three years, provided they have no break in service.
      • Employees who have served in supervisory or administrative roles after performing wildland firefighting duties for at least three years, with a maximum of 24 months of total breaks in service.

  2. Credit for Prior Service:

    • Service performed before the enactment of this bill (from October 1, 2003, until the enactment date) can be credited as firefighter service if:
      • The individual was an employee on the enactment date.
      • The individual did not meet the firefighter requirements due to a break in service but would have qualified under the new definition.
      • Appropriate deductions were made during the prior service.

  3. Election and Payment Requirements:

    • Individuals seeking credit for prior service must:
      • Submit a written election to their current agency before separating from service.
      • If not currently employed by the original agency, submit the election to that agency.
      • Remit any additional amounts that would have been deducted during the prior service period, along with applicable interest.

  4. Agency Responsibilities:

    • Agencies must remit additional federal contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund based on the new provisions.
    • The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is tasked with informing eligible individuals about their rights under this bill and assisting them in verifying their entitlement.

  5. Thrift Savings Fund:

    • The bill clarifies that no contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund will be required beyond what was previously mandated.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Current and former federal firefighters who have experienced breaks in service but wish to have their prior service recognized for retirement benefits.
    • Federal agencies employing these individuals will also be impacted through the administrative processes required to implement these changes.

  • Timeline:

    • The bill was introduced on July 23, 2025, and has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for further consideration.

This legislation represents a significant step in recognizing the contributions of firefighters and ensuring that their retirement benefits reflect their service, even in cases of interrupted employment.

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

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