The Oregon Senate Committee on Labor and Business convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to Senate Bill 588 and Senate Bill 902, both aimed at enhancing retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters.

The standout discussion centered on the dash 2 amendment to Senate Bill 588, which mandates that the Public Employees Retirement Board refer contested cases for hearings when police officers or firefighters seek disability retirement benefits. This amendment also clarifies the criteria for determining when these public safety employees are considered disabled. The committee adopted the amendment unanimously, signaling strong support for the measure, which is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

In a related discussion, Senate Bill 902 proposes to lower the normal retirement age for police officers and firefighters from 53 to 50 years, provided they have at least 25 years of service. This change aims to address the demanding nature of these professions and improve retention rates, as many officers and firefighters are leaving Oregon for states with more favorable retirement benefits. Carl Kennick, president of the Oregon State Firefighters Council, emphasized the need for competitive retirement packages to attract and retain talent in public safety roles.

However, the proposal has sparked concerns among local government representatives, particularly regarding the financial implications. Justin Lowe, representing the Association of Oregon Counties, voiced opposition to the dash 1 amendment of Senate Bill 902, citing the mounting fiscal challenges faced by local governments. He urged the committee to consider the broader impact on county budgets, as increased retirement benefits could strain already limited resources.

The committee's discussions reflect a balancing act between supporting public safety personnel and ensuring fiscal responsibility for local governments. As the legislative session progresses, the outcomes of these bills will be closely monitored, with potential implications for the future of public safety employment in Oregon.