Juneau -- The Alaska House Wednesday unanimously passed House Bill 230, sponsored by the House Judiciary Committee. HB 230 permits police and fire dispatchers at retirement to have the option of converting their service as dispatchers to service as peace officers.

"Dispatchers are in a high-stress occupation with a higher-than-average burnout factor that is reflected in higher-than-normal turnover. Very few dispatchers stay on the job for the full 30 years to retirement," said Representative Pete Kott, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. "Peace officers in Alaska can retire at 20 years. By providing dispatchers with the option of retirement at 20 years, we are hopeful that the retention rate will improve. This would carry with it the probability that training and recruitment costs will be lower in the future."

HB 230 requires dispatchers to pay for the full cost of conversion of their credited service as dispatchers to peace officer status. The financial impact on the State, municipalities, and the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) is revenue neutral.

"Basically, we have been approached by a group of citizens who want a government service and are willing to pay for it," Kott said. "We believe the legislature should embrace virtually any group that is willing to do that."

HB 230 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Pete Kott, 63 K = Pete Kott, 79 K