ATLANTA (February 21, 2014) | The Georgia State Senate passed Senate Bill 235 today by a vote of 52 to 0. Sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), SB 235 will allow firefighters who perform at least 1,040 hours of annual service to be eligible for membership in the Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund.
“I am pleased with the passage of Senate Bill 235 today,” said Sen. Albers. “Georgia firefighters risk their lives daily to defend the people of this state, and deserve the opportunity to take full advantage of the Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund.”
Under this legislation, individuals who are employed as a firefighter or those who serve in a volunteer capacity are eligible to apply for membership in the Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund upon completing 1,040 hours of annual service.
Current law defines firefighter as a full-time employee who is compensated for their position, holds a current firefighter’s certification and performs the function of suppressing fires. This law would amend the definition to firefighter to include permanent compensated employees who fulfill the 1,040 hour requirement and meet all of the certification and performance requirements.
Additionally, former firefighters and volunteers are eligible for participation in the Firefighters’ Pension Fund if their terms of service were between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2014.
Sen. Albers comes from several generations of firefighters and also serves as a volunteer firefighter himself.
Senate Bill 235 will now travel to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028