HB2634 Summary

• Allows retired county police officers hired after June 30, 2001, to include their spouses on health benefit plans by treating them as if employment began before July 1, 2001, for purposes of maintaining spouse coverage.

• Eliminates the minimum age requirement of 55 years for county police officers who became members after June 30, 2012, allowing retirement eligibility with at least 25 years of credited service regardless of age.

• Reduces early retirement penalties for county police officers retiring before age 60 with at least 25 years of service, applying the same reduction schedule as other hazardous duty employees.

• Addresses health disparities for police officers by noting studies showing significantly reduced life expectancy compared to the general population due to stress, shift work, and occupational hazards.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2020.