Kankakee Times

SPRINGFIELD – Yesterday, House Bill 5174, filed by State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) passed the House floor with a unanimous vote of 108-0.

Representative Haas expressed her satisfaction with the bill's success, stating, "Yesterday’s passage of House Bill 5174 is a huge win for law enforcement officers and school safety." She further explained the bill's purpose, saying, “This bill will incentivize retired law enforcement officers to return to work as school safety officers by ensuring their pension benefits are not suspended.”

The legislation addresses the current issue where retired law enforcement officers working more than 599 hours per year risk having their pension benefits suspended. House Bill 5174 aims to alleviate this concern by increasing the limit to 999 hours per year. This adjustment ensures that retired law enforcement officers who choose to work as school safety officers can maintain their earned annuities.

In closing, Rep. Haas emphasized the positive impact of the bill, stating, “This bill is a win-win for everyone involved. It supports law enforcement officers who want to return to work and it makes our schools safer. I look forward to this bill receiving continued bipartisan support in the Senate.”

For more information about Representative Haas, visit RepHaas.com.