On January 30, 2025, the Connecticut State Legislature introduced House Bill 6845, aimed at expanding retirement benefits for certain state employees classified as "hazardous duty members." This bill seeks to include investigators from the Division of Public Defender Services and the Division of Criminal Justice, as well as support service investigators in the Superior Court's Support Enforcement Services, under the same retirement provisions currently available to other hazardous duty personnel.

The key provisions of House Bill 6845 stipulate that hazardous duty members who have completed 25 years of credited service may retire upon their application, effective from the first day of any future month they designate. The bill also clarifies that credited service includes periods of military service and other nonstate employment, provided that such periods are sandwiched between state employment as a hazardous duty member.

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the implications of expanding retirement benefits to additional job classifications. Proponents argue that this inclusion recognizes the challenging nature of the work performed by these investigators, who often face high-stress situations similar to those encountered by traditional law enforcement officers. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential financial impact on the state’s pension system and the precedent it may set for other job classifications seeking similar benefits.

The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, should it pass through the legislative process. If enacted, it could have significant implications for the state's budget and workforce morale, as it may encourage retention among hazardous duty members by providing them with enhanced retirement options. As discussions continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring the bill's progress and its potential effects on state employment policies.