Butler County Today

State Representatives Cindy Abrams and Thomas Hall presented their sponsor testimony before the House Public Insurance and Pensions Committee on a bill aimed at modernizing the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F). The proposed legislation, House Bill 280, seeks to adjust employer contribution rates for police from the current 19.5% to 24.0% over five years, aligning them with fire department contributions and closer to those of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The bill also proposes allowing the OP&F board to modify contribution rates based on actuarial funding if the amortization period surpasses 30 years. "This bill is not a new concept this General Assembly, and if we, the Legislature, fail to take action, the fund will become unstable, jeopardizing the pensions of our first responders," stated Abrams. She emphasized the importance of protecting first responders' pensions as they play a crucial role in community safety.

Hall described the legislation as "proactive, good government legislation" that fulfills promises made to police officers and firefighters across Ohio who risk their lives daily. House Bill 280 emerges in response to several factors affecting OP&F's stability.

The bill is pending further review by the House Public Insurance and Pensions Committee.