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Committee advances bill letting military retirees apply for firefighter jobs beyond current age limit
Summary
The committee passed SB54 to allow military retirees three years from retirement to apply for firefighter positions, aiming to ease the transition for veterans; supporters said physical standards remain unchanged and the change simply allows veterans to test for jobs.
Senate Bill 54, sponsored by Senator Jane English, received committee approval after testimony from Assistant Chief Beau Buford of the North Little Rock Fire Department. The bill would adjust the maximum-applicant-age rules so that military retirees have three years after retirement during which they may apply to fire departments, addressing the fact that many military retirees are older than the current statutory age cap.
Assistant Chief Beau Buford told senators the bill does not alter fitness or training requirements. "They still have to pass all the physical agility tests that we do," he said, but added that allowing military retirees to apply helps veterans find purpose and transition into civilian public-safety careers.
The committee moved and passed the bill on a do-pass motion. Sponsors and supporters said the change addresses a practical hiring barrier for veterans and leaves physical standards and annual requirements for firefighters intact.
