Committee approves bill to let cities rehire retired firefighters under limits

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The House State Government Committee voted to report House Bill 589 favorably after Representative Stephanie Dietz presented a committee substitute that would authorize local governments and chapter 75 fire districts to rehire retired firefighters under structured safeguards.

Dietz, sponsor and representative for the 65th District, said the substitute makes three primary changes: requiring participating employers to pay the minimum employer retirement contribution; requiring a retired firefighter who was separated from employment for one year to retake the candidate physical ability test (CPAT) before reemployment; and expanding eligibility to include chapter 75 fire districts.

Brian Diener, city administrator for Edgewood in Kenton County, told the committee the region has struggled for years with a small labor pool and the bill would allow departments to bring experienced personnel back to mentor younger firefighters. "We have 19 year olds that are firefighters, and we're missing out on some of those mid levels like lieutenants, captains, training officers," Diener said, calling current staffing "critical."

The committee adopted the substitute and voted to report House Bill 589 favorably by roll call; the clerk recorded 18 yeas and 0 nays. The sponsor and stakeholder representatives said the minimum employer contribution requirement was added to protect the fiscal integrity of the retirement system.

Next steps: House Bill 589 will proceed to the House floor with a favorable committee recommendation.