HB5603 Summary

• Reduces the required tenure in exempt positions for Chicago firefighters from 5 consecutive years to 3 consecutive years to qualify for salary-based pension calculations.

• Expands eligible exempt ranks for pension purposes to include captain, ambulance commander, lieutenant, and paramedic-in-charge (previously limited to battalion chief and field officer).

• Removes the restriction limiting the salary definition to firefighters born before 1955, making the enhanced salary provisions available to all firefighters meeting the tenure and rank requirements.

• Requires the City of Chicago to make annual pension fund contributions of at least $400,000 plus amounts for normal cost increases and amortization of unfunded liability resulting from these changes.

• Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation of these changes without state reimbursement to the city.