School safety gets boost from Haas measure

State Representative Jackie Haas' legislation making it easier for retired law enforcement professionals to work as school safety officers cleared the House last month. 

“This bill will incentivize retired law enforcement officers to return to work as school safety officers by ensuring their pension benefits are not suspended," said Haas. 

Currently, retired law enforcement officers who work more than 599 hours per year are considered full-time employees under their pension regulations. If they work in excess of 599 hours their pension benefits would be suspended. A typical 40-hour work-week is about 2,000 hours annually. House Bill 5174 would raise the limit for pensioners to 999 hours per year, assuring that retired law enforcement officers who want to work as school safety officers can continue to receive their earned annuities.

“This bill is a win-win for everyone involved," concluded Haas."It supports law enforcement officers who want to return to work and it makes our schools safer. I look forward to this bill receiving continued bipartisan support in the Senate.”

House Bill 5174 cleared the House unanimously on April 18 and is under consideration in the Senate.