Florida SB1902 and HB1319

I have talked about police, fire and employee overtime pay going toward retirement benefits as something that had to be fixed as it was financially devastating for cities particularly the City of Lake Worth.

Now, according to City Manager Susan Stanton, the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Tuesday will be addressing this very thing in SB 1902. HB 1319 will be heard on Thursday by the Government Affairs Policy Committee.

Two important provisions from Stanton’s manager’s report:

Section 112.65, Statutes (All Public Employee Defined Benefit Plans)

Provides that overtime, unused accrued sick leave, or any other form of compensation other than base hourly or yearly salary may not be used in calculating “average final compensation” for pension purposes.

Section 121.021, Statutes of the Florida Retirement System)

Redefines “compensation” and “average final compensation” for purposes of the Florida Retirement System to exclude overtime, accumulated annual leave,or other forms of compensation other than the actual salary paid to a member. Section 215.986, Florida Statutes.

It is important for everyone to call Committee members. Click the links above or click on the City Manager's Report and all phone numbers are listed.