This bill seeks to implement recommendations from the state auditor's fire relief association working group by amending various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning firefighter retirement and benefits. Key amendments include redefining terms such as "firefighting service," "separate from active service," and "break in service," with new language that clarifies the roles of firefighters and volunteer emergency medical personnel. The bill also introduces a new section outlining the conditions under which firefighters can return to active service after a break, particularly for those who have received pensions or benefits. Additionally, it raises the financial reporting threshold for firefighters' relief associations from $750,000 to $1,000,000, thereby reducing the number of associations required to submit annual financial reports.

Moreover, the bill addresses deferred service pensions for relief association members, defining "deferred member" and waiving the requirement to separate from active service for those who have stopped their volunteer or paid on-call duties but are still employed part-time or full-time. It mandates that defined contribution relief associations credit performance on deferred lump-sum service pensions for all deferred members starting January 1, 2021, and allows for bylaw amendments to lower the minimum retirement age for members who separated from service before the amendment's effective date. The bill also details authorized disbursements from the special fund of relief associations for service pensions, disability benefits, and survivor benefits, requiring that disbursement checks or electronic transfers be signed by the treasurer and another designated trustee. Certain sections of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, while others will become effective the day after final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 424A.01, 424A.001, 424A.014, 424A.016