Committee passes bill to expand optional spousal retirement benefits to additional city officers

House Bill 1276, introduced by Representative Painter, would expand the option for cities to provide spousal retirement benefits beyond mayors and city clerks in first-class cities to include city attorneys, deputy clerks, treasurers in second-class cities and mayors in second-class cities. The committee adopted the bill on a voice vote.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Painter, described the measure as “evening the playing field.” John Wilkerson of the Municipal League told the committee the current law allows cities to grant spousal benefits to mayors and city clerks in first-class cities; HB1276 would extend that option to additional offices. Wilkerson said the change would apply to the office of city attorney and clarified that the provision would not cover contract lawyers hired through agreements…