Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF818

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to contribution rates to the Iowa public employees' retirement system and the municipal fire and police retirement system.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will have a profound effect on the contributions required from public employees in protection occupations. By eliminating the contribution requirement for these employees, it changes the financial dynamics of how they fund their retirement. Employers will bear the full cost of the retirement contributions for these individuals, which could lead to changes in budgeting and fiscal responsibility within state and municipality systems. This alteration in funding could potentially attract new personnel to law enforcement and fire services due to the financial incentives presented through reduced direct contributions.

Summary

House File 818 pertains to the Iowa public employees' retirement system (IPERS) and the municipal fire and police retirement system. The bill proposes significant changes to contribution rates for employees in protection occupations, which include police and fire service personnel. Specifically, it reduces the member contribution rates to zero percent for those employed in protection occupations such as sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, while increasing the employer contribution rate to cover the entire retirement contribution. This change is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, according to the bill's provisions.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HF818 may raise points of contention regarding the sustainability of this funding model. Critics could argue that shifting the entire burden of retirement contributions to employers might strain local budgets, particularly in smaller municipalities where resources are limited. Supporters, on the other hand, may highlight the need to provide competitive benefits to ensure that essential services like police and fire remain adequately staffed and supported. This bill reflects an ongoing evaluation of how to best manage public employee benefits in a sustainable way for both employers and employees.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF967

A bill for an act relating to benefits and contributions for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation.(Formerly HSB 265; See HF 1023.)

IA HF1023

A bill for an act relating to benefits and contributions for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation. (Formerly HF 967, HSB 265.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

IA HF969

A bill for an act concerning retirement contributions of and benefits associated with cancer diagnoses of members of certain public retirement systems, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 266.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA SB1527

Relating to the administration of, contributions to, and benefits under the public retirement systems for police and firefighters in certain municipalities.

IA SF2132

A bill for an act relating to retirement benefits of retired members reemployed as school resource officers under the Iowa public employees' retirement system and the municipal fire and police retirement system.

IA HF2182

A bill for an act relating to retirement benefits of retired members reemployed as school resource officers under the Iowa public employees' retirement system and the municipal fire and police retirement system.

IA SB2162

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

IA HF2069

A bill for an act providing an annual cost-of-living adjustment for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system.

IA HB1237

Provides relative to the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System and the Firefighters' Retirement System (EN SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE FC)

IA HB2802

Relating to the administration of, contributions to, and benefits under retirement systems for firefighters in certain municipalities.

Similar Bills

CA SB139

An act to amend Sections 19829.

CA AB139

An act to amend Sections 19829.

CA SB140

State Bargaining Unit 6.

IA HF967

A bill for an act relating to benefits and contributions for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation.(Formerly HSB 265; See HF 1023.)

IA HF1023

A bill for an act relating to benefits and contributions for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation. (Formerly HF 967, HSB 265.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

CA AB140

An act relating to the Budget Act of 2025.

IA HF969

A bill for an act concerning retirement contributions of and benefits associated with cancer diagnoses of members of certain public retirement systems, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 266.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 07/01/2025.

CA SB161

State employment: state bargaining units.