Butler County Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 296, aimed at modernizing the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. This bill was announced by its sponsors, State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.).

Currently, employers contribute 19.5% for police and 24.0% for fire personnel to the pension fund. The new legislation proposes an increase in employer contributions for police to 24.0% over a six-year period, aligning it with contributions for fire services and bringing it closer to those for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Notably, employer contributions have not been adjusted since 1986.

"If we, the Legislature, fail to take action, the fund will become unstable, jeopardizing the pensions of our first responders," Abrams stated during her speech on the floor. "Let's protect our first responders and ultimately ensure the safety of our communities together. Without our first responders, nothing else matters."

This legislative move is prompted by various factors affecting the stability of the pension fund.

"This legislation allows us to implement a sound fiscal solution before it's an emergency," Hall explained. "It also assures that we fulfill our promise to tens of thousands of police and firefighters across Ohio."

House Bill 296 has garnered support from key organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters, and the Ohio Chiefs of Police.

The bill now proceeds to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.