Committee backs ordinance allowing military service 'buy back' for retirement credit

The Rules Committee voted unanimously to send to the full Board an ordinance that would expand the definition of "public service" in the Administrative Code to allow members of the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System to purchase retirement service credit for military service performed before city employment.

Dominica Donovan, representing Supervisor Catherine Stefani’s office, said the code previously limited eligible public service to civilian service and that the change restores an opportunity for veterans excluded by a policy shift in the 1970s. Donovan said the Veterans Affairs Commission reviewed and supported the legislation at its April 11 meeting.

Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson said the office circulated non‑substantive amendments to update gendered language to gender‑neutral pronouns; she advised those changes did not need to be read into the record. Veterans Affairs Commissioners and other supporters urged the committee to approve the measure, arguing it would give veterans a chance to "buy back" military time to count toward city retirement.

Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey moved to send the ordinance, as amended, to the full Board with a positive recommendation. Vice Chair Shimon Walton and Supervisor Asha Safaie joined the motion in a roll-call vote, which passed without objection. The item will appear on the Board agenda for consideration.