IL HB2678

Amends the Downstate Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code for firefighters who first become employed on or after January 1, 2011.

Changes the "final average salary" calculation to the greater of: (1) average monthly salary over the highest 96 consecutive months within the last 120 months of service, or (2) average monthly salary over the highest 48 consecutive months within the last 60 months of service.

Maintains existing pension formulas: 2.5% per year of service for firefighters age 55+, with a maximum pension of 75% of final average salary and early retirement reductions of 0.5% per month before age 55.

Amends the State Mandates Act to exempt this mandate from requiring state reimbursement to municipalities for implementation.

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.