Juneau -- The Alaska House Monday passed House Bill 159, sponsored by Representative Gary Davis (R-Soldotna). HB 159 permits correctional facility employees to have the option at retirement of converting their correctional facility service to service as peace officers.

"This opportunity is offered primarily as an employee incentive," Davis said. "The State recognizes that these individuals are in a highly stressful and dangerous type of employment and offers this as an inducement to remain with their careers."

"Peace officers in Alaska, including correctional officers, can retire at 20 years. By providing their co-workers at correctional facilities the option of retirement at 20 years, we are hopeful that there will be less employee turnover. This should result in fewer training funds for new employees providing significant savings to the State," Davis said. "Allowing all correctional facility employees to retire after 20 years of correctional facility service instead of the current 30 can provide the incentive needed to keep them on the job."

HB 159 requires individuals to pay the full cost of conversion of their credited service at correctional facilities to peace officer status. The financial impact on the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) is revenue neutral.

HB 159 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

HB 159 passed the House 36-2.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Gary Davis, 133 K

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