H.R. 4672: To extend the break-in-service consideration for firefighter retirements, and other purposes.

This bill proposes changes to how firefighter retirements are handled, specifically concerning the consideration of "breaks in service." Here’s a summary of the main points:

1. Extension of Service Credit

The bill aims to extend the time during which certain breaks in service for federal firefighters will not negatively affect their retirement benefits. It allows firefighters who have experienced a break in service to still receive credit towards their retirement, provided they meet certain conditions.

2. Definition of Firefighter Roles

The bill clarifies the definition of who is considered a firefighter under federal law. A firefighter is defined as:

• An employee involved in controlling nonwildland fires, who is expected to be physically capable for the demands of the job.
• An employee involved in wildland fire control with similar physical requirements.
• An employee who has moved to a supervisory position after serving in a firefighter role for at least three years.
• An individual who has held a supervisory role for at least three years in wildland firefighting duties and has limited breaks in service.

3. Credit for Previous Service

Under this bill, service performed before the bill's enactment date can count toward retirement for those who worked from October 1, 2003, to the day before the enactment, even if they previously did not qualify as firefighters due to breaks in service. To receive this retroactive credit, individuals must:

• Submit a written election to their agency before leaving their current position.
• If not currently employed by the original agency, submit the election to that agency.
• Pay back contributions that would have been deducted during that prior period if the new rules had applied, plus applicable interest.

4. Agency Contributions

If an individual makes the appropriate payments for past service, the employing agency must remit additional federal contributions that would have applied under the new rules, along with interest, to the appropriate retirement fund.

5. Notification and Support

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is required to inform eligible individuals about their entitlement to service credit and assist them in accessing necessary information to verify their entitlement.

6. Provisions for Thrift Savings Fund

The bill includes a clause that clarifies that no additional contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund would be mandated as a result of these changes.

Relevant Companies

None found.