Senate advances plan to move police retirement toward parity with firefighters

The Senate advanced a significant public-safety retirement measure on Feb. 23 as senators debated whether the state should be the funding source for retirement equity for peace officers.

Sen. Butters presented the first substitute to SB 26, which would put the state's premium‑tax mechanism on a path to support a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for peace officers, similar to benefits available to firefighters and judges. Supporters argued the measure corrects a long‑standing disparity between firefighters and police officers and would provide a uniform retirement benefit as officers move among agencies.

Opponents criticized the policy of the state assuming retirement costs that have traditionally been the responsibility of local governments. Sen. Hickman said local governments should fund retirement benefits for their employees rather than rely on state subsidies. Fiscal and actuarial questions were raised: floor discussion noted the fund would take several years (6–10) to accumulate sufficient assets and that the measure puts the program "on the right track" without creating immediate actuarial soundness.

Sen. Valentine emphasized the policy equity arguments and noted that previous allocations were intended to create statewide uniformity. Others noted the shifting share of state contributions to retirement funds in recent years and cautioned about growing state obligations.

On the roll call the Senate recorded 27 aye votes and no nays; the bill will be sent to the House for further consideration and actuarial and fiscal follow-up.

Outcome: SB 26 passed on the floor to the third-reading calendar with a recorded vote of 27–0.