Council recommends changes to subpoena procedure, benefit payments and return-to-service remedy; extends rectification period to 2027

Representative McCalmon told the Council on Pensions that HB 1907 / SB 2018 updates plan procedures to achieve compliance with federal requirements and to improve administrative efficiency. He summarized three primary changes: clarify methods for responding to subpoenas, refine the process for issuing final benefit payments due on a member’s death, and extend the remedy period for retirees who return without a bona fide separation.

A department representative explained the bill would clarify subpoena-response procedures, streamline issuance of death-related benefit payments and extend the rectification period for returns-to-service to June 30, 2027. "It also ... moves the bona fide separation of service, the way to rectify that if they didn't have a bona fide separation of service return to work programs and extends it to 06/30/2027 for that rectification period," the department said.

There were no substantive objections recorded during questioning; the committee moved to recommend passage. On roll call the motion carried with 12 ayes, and the committee recommended HB 1907 / SB 2018 to its standing committee with a positive recommendation.

The hearing ended after the two bills on the calendar received positive recommendations; no public testimony or fiscal figures were included in the committee record during this meeting.