Bill to allow limited rehiring of retired firefighters presented as parity measure; KLC open to employer contribution requirement

Representative Stephanie Dietz presented House Bill 589 as a parity measure to allow cities the same limited authority to rehire retired firefighters that exists for police under current law. Dietz told the board the bill "creates clear statutory authority for cities to rehire retired firefighters who meet strict eligibility requirements, including at least 20 years of service, compliance with required separation periods, no pending administrative charges, and no prearranged return to work agreement prior to retirement." She said contracts would be limited to one year, renewable at the city's discretion, and compensation must align with the city's standard pay scale.

Dietz and local government representatives said the bill includes department-size limits to ensure the rehire tool "supplements not replaces the existing workforce." Gracie Kelly of the Kentucky League of Cities confirmed the bill as drafted does not require employer retirement contributions, but stated KLC negotiators "are amenable" to a proposal that would require a minimum employer contribution for the firefighter program.

Senators and representatives praised the bill's intent to provide experienced staffing, and several members urged that any program include mechanisms to ensure rehiring does not erode pension funding. KPPA staff told the board they are preparing actuarial estimates; while they read some earlier bills as nonmaterial, they said this proposal will have a fiscal impact that must be quantified.

The board did not vote on House Bill 589. Sponsors and KLC indicated willingness to continue negotiations about employer contribution language and take proposals to KLC's board of directors for formal consideration.