(Juneau) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill today, sponsored by Representative Tom Anderson (R-Anchorage), to provide medical benefits to retired peace officers who have completed their 20 years of service. HB 91 removes the additional requirements that peace officers currently have to meet in order to be eligible for medical benefits.

Under the current Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), employees are eligible for retirement after 30 years of service. At that time, they are also eligible for medical benefits. Currently, Alaska's state troopers, firefighters, correctional officers and others who serve State or local governments are eligible for retirement after 20 years of service. Presently, the law requires peace officers to work an additional 5 years after their normal retirement to be eligible for medical benefits.

Of the bill's passage, Rep. Anderson said, "Alaska's peace officers work every day to ensure our safety. It is important that we recognize their dedication and hard work and grant them their medical benefits at their normal retirement of 20 years. He went on to say, "I'm so pleased that my colleagues agreed with me and passed this legislation."

This legislation, recognizing that peace officers dedicate themselves to protecting and serving Alaskans, removes the additional five-year requirement allowing them to be eligible for medical benefits after their 20 years of service.

HB 91 passed the House by a vote of 33-3 and now awaits action in the Senate.

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