HF 4297 Summary

• Defines "governing body" to include municipalities, independent nonprofit firefighting corporations, and joint powers entities operating fire departments.

• Allows municipalities and nonprofits not affiliated with relief associations to elect lump-sum retirement coverage only, while affiliated entities may choose between lump-sum or monthly benefit divisions.

• Requires 120-day approval period for coverage transfers by both relief association boards and governing bodies, with automatic disapproval if no action is taken within the timeframe.

• Establishes special rules for joint powers entities requiring approval from all member municipalities unless the joint powers agreement specifies an alternative process.

• Clarifies pension eligibility and computation for members transitioning from defined benefit or defined contribution relief association plans, including alternative lump-sum service pension calculations with 6% annual compound interest.

• Allows deferred members from former relief associations to receive service pensions when eligible under the original relief association bylaws.

• Changes terminology throughout chapter 353G from "voluntary statewide volunteer firefighter retirement plan" to "statewide volunteer firefighter plan."