PEPRA, the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act, is a California pension law that took effect January 1, 2013. In general, employees who were first hired into a California public retirement system on or after January 1, 2013, are classified as PEPRA members and are subject to retirement benefit rules that differ from those applicable to Classic members who entered a qualifying retirement system before that date.
This week marked a major milestone for public safety employees across California!
I am excited to share that AB 1383, one of the most important legislative priorities for VCDSA and PORAC this year, passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee on a unanimous 7-0 vote.
While this may sound like just another legislative update, the reality is that this is a significant moment for California public safety employees, particularly those hired under PEPRA. AB 1383 has been a top priority for both VCDSA and PORAC because it seeks to make targeted improvements to the retirement system that affects the majority of our active membership. The bill addresses issues surrounding retirement age, pensionable compensation limits, and local bargaining flexibility while maintaining many of the core safeguards established under PEPRA.
Just a few days ago, there was a very real possibility that this legislation could have died in the Senate Appropriations suspense file without ever receiving a vote. Instead, thanks to a tremendous statewide effort from PORAC, local associations, elected officials, and supporters across California, the bill is still alive and moving forward.
The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. For years, many in our profession have discussed the challenges created by PEPRA and the growing impact those changes have had on recruitment, retention, and retirement security. For the first time since PEPRA became law, meaningful retirement reform for public safety employees is within reach. AB 1383 represents the first opportunity in years to address some of those concerns at the state level.
We are not across the finish line yet. The bill must still pass a vote of the full Senate before the Legislature adjourns at the end of the month. There is still work to do, and we expect additional advocacy efforts in the days ahead to ensure it reaches the Governor’s desk and is signed into law.
For now, however, this is a moment worth celebrating.
Thank you to every member who took the time to respond to our action alerts and support this effort throughout the legislative process. Your participation helped demonstrate the importance of this issue and the impact it has on the future of our profession.
We will continue to keep you informed as the bill moves through the final stages of the legislative process.
In Solidarity,
Justin Doering
President
Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
