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Senate passes SB63 second substitute to align Tier 2 retirement rules for public safety and other employees
Summary
Senators passed the second substitute of SB63, altering Tier 2 public-employee retirement options and creating a hybrid option for public safety with a 25-year minimum and a 1.5% service-credit formula. The bill passed 19-9 with one absent and will go to the House.
The Senate approved the second substitute of Senate Bill 63, which makes changes to the new public‑employees Tier 2 contributory retirement system and creates a hybrid option for public-safety employees.
Senator Lillianquist presented the bill and described provisions beginning at the post-18 language that apply to public safety and fire personnel, including a minimum retirement period of 25 years and a 1.5% service-credit accrual per year under the hybrid option. The sponsor said the language was drafted with input from Utah Retirement Systems and is intended to mirror or align options across systems.
Senator Greiner questioned whether the change alters surviving-spouse options and argued the matter might warrant further study; the sponsor replied that Utah Retirement Systems reviewed the language and the provisions mirror current rules across systems. After debate, the Senate recorded a roll-call majority and passed the bill 19‑9 with one absence; the measure will be forwarded to the House for further action.
Supporters said the changes clarify options for retirement elections and create a cohesive framework for Tier 2 plans; opponents raised concerns about potential impacts on survivors’ benefits and asked for more study and stakeholder review.
