House Bill No. 1739 amends the Oklahoma Pension Legislation Actuarial Analysis Act and the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, focusing on retirement contributions and benefits for law enforcement personnel. The bill introduces a tiered employer contribution rate that will increase from 12.5% to 16.5% over several years starting July 1, 2026, while also raising the employee contribution rate from 8% to 9%. Additionally, it expands eligibility for certain benefits and modifies the computation of retirement benefits for specific law enforcement positions. The bill includes new definitions for terms such as "nonfiscal retirement bill" and "reduction-in-cost amendment," and aims to ensure the sustainability and adequate funding of the retirement system.

In a related measure, Bill RBH No. 16486 addresses disability pension benefits for members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement System. It establishes that members who qualify as disabled due to personal and traumatic injury in the line of duty will receive a monthly benefit calculated at 2.5% of their final average salary, based on either twenty years of service or their actual years served. The bill adds "Attorney General Agent" and "Military Department Police Officer" to the list of positions eligible for salary consideration while removing "University of Oklahoma - Police Officer." It also sets requirements for applying for disability benefits and allows for the payment of health insurance premiums directly from benefits. An emergency clause is included for immediate effect upon the Governor's signature, with specific effective dates for different sections if the emergency clause is not approved.

Statutes affected:
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 62-3103