House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends existing law to allow full-time firefighters employed by political subdivisions to participate in insurance programs offered by the state's Office of Group Benefits (OGB), provided that the political subdivision elects to include these employees. The bill defines "fire department" to encompass any local government entity focused on fire prevention and extinguishment. It also ensures that no law, rule, or policy can prevent an employer from opting into this participation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that participation in OGB plans is contingent upon the inclusion of all employees and retirees from the fire department in the same class.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for participation credit for firefighters who have previously been enrolled in a health insurance plan sponsored by their employer before the employer's election to join OGB. This credit will be awarded based on the duration of their full-time employment in the fire department leading up to the employer's participation in OGB. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB1125 Original: 42:808(B)