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Committee approves aligned DROP access for Houston police and firefighters
Summary
A committee substitute to House Bill 2688 that aligns Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) eligibility for the Houston Fire Department and Houston Police Department was presented and reported favorably. Supporters said the changes are cost neutral and intended to aid recruitment and retention.
House Bill 2688, considered by the Senate Finance Committee, would align and simplify DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) participation rules for currently employed and eligible personnel in the Houston Fire Department and Houston Police Department. Chair testimony described a committee substitute that permits Houston firefighters and police officers to participate under clarified formulas and service-period rules.
Witnesses representing both pensions and unions testified in support. Brett Besselman, chairman of the Houston Firefighters Pension System, said the bill would help recruitment and retention and that it "lowers the unfunded liability even further for both plans." Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston Police Officers Union, and Trey Coleman, chairman of the Houston Police Officers Pension System and a current police captain, also expressed support, praising collaboration among stakeholders.
The committee substitute was presented as cost neutral to the city of Houston and structured to remain within Pension Review Board funding guidelines, according to sponsor remarks. Testimony repeatedly emphasized negotiated agreement among parties and no expected negative funding impact on the pension plans or the city budget.
The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 2688 favorably to the full Senate. The committee record shows the motion to report out the committee substitute passed with 10 ayes, 0 nays.
