Legislative Update
May 21, 2008

As you know the 2008 “Short Session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened at twelve noon on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Two particular items of interest for law enforcement officers is the introduction of two more retirement bills.

HB 2117, 28-Year State Law Enforcement Retirement, introduced by Representative Ronnie Sutton, Robeson County, allows state law enforcement officers (only) to retire with unreduced benefits after 28 years of creditable service. PBA was not approached about this bill before its filing. HB 2117 was calendared on May 15, 2008, passed first reading and referred to the House Pensions and Retirement Committee, chaired by Representative Larry Bell.

HB 2350 Law Enforcement 25-Year Retirement, introduced by Representative Marian McLawhorn. PBA was approached by the bill sponsor on this bill. Wanting to do something for law enforcement officers this session, PBA was actively solicited for input on the bill. HB 2350 originally drafted as a 28 year bill was filed on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 as a 25 year bill. This bill has an age 50 stipulation to retire with unreduced benefits after serving 25 years of creditable service. However, this bill is for all sworn law enforcement officers, state and local, and includes separation allowance under GS 143-166. 41 and GS 143-166.42.

PBA had initial concerns that the separation allowance for local officers was not included because it was not specified in the bill. However, current law under GS 143-166.41 (for state officers) incorporates by reference local officers as they are covered by the separation allowance under GS 128-27 and more specifically GS 143-166.42.

HB 2350 is calendared for today (Wednesday, May 21, 2008) and will likely be referred to the House Pensions and Retirement Committee.

Joining Representative McLawhorn as primary sponsors on the bill are House Pension and Retirement Committee Chairman Larry Bell, as well as Representatives Timothy Spear and Ray Warren.  Other sponsors include PBA endorsed Representatives Trisha Cotham, Rick Glazier, Grier Martin, Louis Pate, Tom Tillis, Bill Faison, Larry Hall, Dan Blue, Deborah Ross, and Jennifer Wise.

We will keep you posted.