House approves first substitute to raise public-safety retirement COLA and death benefit, funds via premium-tax diversion

First substitute House Bill 198, which would increase cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for public-safety retirees to 4 percent and raise the surviving-spouse death benefit to 75 percent, passed the Utah House by a recorded vote.

Representative Ron Bigelow, sponsor, said the substitute and amendment put a funding mechanism in place similar to the firefighters’ model to pay for the changes. He described diverting a portion of existing premium-tax streams — a practice used previously for firefighters — and noted the substitute does not change the underlying fiscal cost but shifts the revenue source to cover it. "The funding mechanism put in place is a fiscal note," he said, adding the diversion mirrors how firefighter benefits are funded.

Members declared conflicts where appropriate and voiced support for parity between police and firefighters. Representative Wimmer noted the change addresses a long-standing disparity for public-safety employees; Representative Sealy and others also noted personal conflicts where family members would stand to benefit. Representative McGee confirmed the substitute did not change the fiscal cost but arranged a funding source.

The House voted to adopt the first substitute with amendment and passed the bill by a recorded vote of 69 yes and 0 no; the measure will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.

Next steps: The bill will be transmitted to the Senate; sponsors asked colleagues to support prioritization and funding in later session steps.