Senate Approves Option to Place Sheriffs and Eligible Deputies into Group G Retirement

The Senate passed H585, which expands eligibility for Group G retirement to sheriffs and certain eligible deputy sheriffs and establishes related retirement‑age and compensation rules.

As presented, the bill modifies Group G eligibility so that sheriffs and eligible deputies — those holding Level 2 or Level 3 law‑enforcement certification — may make a one‑time irrevocable election to transfer into Group G. The statute sets normal retirement dates, transitional rules, and contribution expectations consistent with existing Group G members. The government operations committee said the change is intended to improve recruiting and retention at county sheriff offices, which had been losing deputies to positions with more generous pension packages.

The bill also clarifies salary adjustments for sheriffs who do not hold higher certification levels: a tiered salary reduction (90% for Level 2 only, 80% for Level 1, 70% for no certification) reflects existing statutory practice applied consistently. Committees reviewed actuarial testimony and reported likely minimal statewide pension impact; the bill passed the Senate on third reading.