Pensions bill offers lifeline to teachers and law enforcement

Today the Senate passed a bipartisan Pensions package that addresses various needs cited by teachers and law enforcement. The bill spends $80 million in FY26-27 and an additional $80 million in FY28-29. With this funding, the bill increases benefits for law enforcement officers and creates a working group to determine future additional changes.   

The big highlights of the bill include the following: 

  • Cost of living adjustments (COLA) to the State Patrol Plan
  • One-time COLA increases of 3% for Public Employees Retirement Association- Police and Fire Plan
  • Reducing the penalty for 60 and 61-year-old Tier II teachers who retire early
  • Changes to Duty Disability, including an elimination of the requirement that police departments continue health coverage for those on duty disability until 65 years old

“This bill represents a peace in the valley compromise for those who were deeply concerned about retirement benefits – this bill may not be the perfect solution all parties were hoping for, but it’s a good step that takes care of our public servants,” said Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). “I’m especially glad to see funding included for law enforcement – these are the folks who dedicate their lives to keeping Minnesota safe, and they deserve the support offered in this bill. I remain concerned about Duty Disability benefits and will keep working to take care of our law enforcement officers.”

Missing from this bill is early retirement changes from Probation Officers. In lieu of an immediate change, this bill establishes a working group to formulate a workable solution to address their concerns.  

Republicans offered multiple amendments to put the bill in a better state. All were defeated on party-line votes: