Ohio House Passes Bill to Modernize the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund

COLUMBUS—The House of Representatives today passed House Bill 296, legislation to modernize the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.).

Employers currently contribute 19.5% for police and 24.0% for fire to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. This bill will increase employer contributions for police to 24.0% over a six-year period, bringing the contribution into alignment with fire and closer into alignment with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Employer contributions to the fund have not been adjusted since 1986.

“If we, the Legislature, fail to take action, the fund will become unstable, jeopardizing the pensions of our first responders,” said Abrams during her floor speech. “Let’s protect our first responders and ultimately, ensure the safety of our communities together. Without our first responders, nothing else matters.”

This legislation comes as a result of a number of factors that have drastically impacted the stability of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund.

“This legislation allows us to implement a sound fiscal solution before it’s an emergency,” said Hall. “It also assures that we fulfill our promise to tens of thousands of police and firefighters across Ohio.” 

House Bill 296 is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters, and the Ohio Chiefs of Police.

The legislation now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.