The Senate has unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) to help address a shortage of qualified instructors who train emergency responders across the state.
Senate Bill 782 would allow retirees from the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) to return to work on a part-time basis as certified EMS, fire or police instructors without losing their pension benefits.
“Pennsylvania needs experienced professionals to help train the next generation of first responders,” Ward said. “This bill allows qualified retirees to return to the classroom on a limited basis so they can share their knowledge, strengthen emergency responder training programs, and get more qualified first responders out into our communities to help keep them safe.”
Current law prevents retirees who are in PSERS or SERS from returning to work for participating employers without impacting their pensions. Ward’s bill creates an exception to allow retirees to serve as part-time instructors for first responder training programs.
Retirees returning under the legislation would not earn additional retirement benefits or make new contributions to the pension systems.
Senate Bill 782 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
