Bill(s)
2019 AB 164 and 2019 SB 154 would allow Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) participants, both active and inactive, who worked at the Department of Corrections (DOC) for at least five years and who terminates on or after the effective date of the bill to receive military service credits for any military service (current law requires that the service must have been performed prior to 1974). The bill eliminates the current law restriction on receiving military service credit for service that is also used to receive a federal retirement benefit. Additionally, the bill would allow for a participant to receive military service credits if that participant leaves WRS covered employment to enter military service and returns to any WRS covered employment within 180 days of discharge (current law requires the participant to return to the same WRS employer). Finally, the bill requires that DOC make additional contributions as determined by the actuary and approved by the ETF Board to cover the costs of granting the military service credits.
Sponsors
2019 SB 154 was introduced by Sen. Feyen and referred to the Senate Committee on Government Transportation, Veterans and Military Affairs. 2019 AB 164 was introduced by Rep. Thiesfeldt and referred to the Assembly Committee on State Affairs.
Status
Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
Other
Please contact Tarna Hunter, ETF’s Government Relations Director, if you have any questions.