Panel backs bill to move dispatchers into firefighter retirement system; cooperative agreement adds millions for mitigation and rehabilitation
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Summary
The committee voted 6–1 to favorably recommend HB496, which moves certain dispatchers into the firefighter retirement tier and includes funding and program language tied to a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service; committee discussion noted ~$2.5M for post‑fire rehab and ~$1.8M for mitigation.
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted 6–1 to favorably recommend HB496, a bill that adds dispatchers to the Forestry and Fire retirement plan and includes provisions tied to a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.
Corey Cox of Utah Retirement Systems explained the bill would move dispatchers from the public employee retirement tier into the firefighter system, shortening eligibility horizons (for example, 20 years rather than 30 in some tiers) and thereby giving dispatchers earlier retirement eligibility. Cox said the firefighter system is fully funded; that structure and investment returns mean the firefighter fund can be less costly for employers despite longer lifetime liabilities for retirees.
Brianne Emery, Deputy Director of Operations for Forestry, Fire and State Lands, told the committee the substitute contains additional items to support the division’s work under a cooperative agreement with the Forest Service. Emery cited an estimated $2,500,000 for post‑fire rehabilitation efforts and about $1,800,000 for pre‑fire mitigation work. The language also contemplates prioritizing cross‑jurisdictional areas for mitigation and restoration work.
Representative Kristofferson and other members pressed on fiscal implications and certification requirements; staff said dispatchers in the public safety system typically hold post certification and the bill would require national wildfire dispatcher certification where applicable, with the State Fire Marshal reviewing qualifications. No members of the public testified on this bill.
Representative Stofferson moved to favorably recommend HB496 and the committee approved the motion; the roll reflected one no vote by Representative Strong, with the bill advancing by a 6–1 margin.
The bill affects retirement tier assignment for dispatchers, includes specific program work connected to a federal cooperative agreement, and identifies multi‑million dollar fiscal items in its fiscal note for mitigation and rehabilitation.
