To extend the break-in-service consideration for firefighter retirements, and other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
Introduced
Summary
Expands who counts as a federal firefighter for retirement. The bill would redefine firefighter categories and allow certain pre-enactment service to be credited toward retirement if workers meet the new criteria and pay required retroactive deductions.
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- Firefighters and supervisors: Employees who served at least 3 years in frontline nonwildland or wildland firefighting and then moved directly into supervisory or administrative roles could qualify as firefighters for retirement. Some transferred supervisors with up to 24 months of breaks may also qualify.
- Retroactive credit: Workers with service between October 1, 2003 and the day before enactment could elect to have that time counted if they would meet the new criteria but for a break. To receive credit they must submit a written election before separation and remit the additional employee deductions plus interest.
- Agency and OPM duties: Employing agencies must remit the additional federal contributions with interest to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. The Office of Personnel Management would notify eligible individuals and assist in verifying entitlement with relevant agencies.
- Thrift Savings Fund limits: The bill does not authorize contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund beyond what current law allows.
*Net effect: widens retirement accrual eligibility for many federal firefighters and creates a process for retroactive credit while assigning administrative steps to agencies and OPM.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Broader retirement and past credit for firefighters
This bill would expand who counts as a firefighter for federal retirement. Employees who mainly fight nonwildland or wildland fires would qualify if the job is found physically demanding. Supervisors and administrators could also qualify after at least 3 years of frontline work; nonwildland transfers would need no break in service, while wildland supervisors could have up to 24 months total breaks. This could let covered workers retire earlier or receive a higher pension. Past service from October 1, 2003 to the day before enactment could be credited if you elect in writing before you leave and pay the extra employee contributions plus interest; your agency would send the matching government share. OPM would notify eligible workers and help verify service, and no extra Thrift Savings Plan contributions would be allowed or required.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Franklin, Scott
FL • R
Sponsored 7/23/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 8/5/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov