From: Justin Doering, VCDSA President
Yesterday, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1383, legislation that sought to address key retirement issues affecting public safety professionals hired under PEPRA.
While we are disappointed in the outcome, I believe it is important to recognize both what this effort accomplished and why the conversation surrounding retirement security, recruitment, and retention in public safety is far from over.
For many VCDSA members, AB 1383 was not just another piece of legislation moving through Sacramento. More than half of our active membership was hired under PEPRA, making the issues addressed by this bill personal and directly relevant to their careers, retirement planning, and long-term future in public safety.
Over the past year, we watched something happen that many believed was unlikely. A bill addressing retirement reform for public safety professionals moved through multiple
legislative committees, earned overwhelming bipartisan support, and ultimately reached the Governor’s desk. That outcome did not happen by accident.
I want to thank Assemblymember Tina McKinnor for authoring AB 1383 and for her commitment to carrying this issue forward. I also want to recognize PORAC, California Professional Firefighters, the many legislators who joined as co-authors, local elected officials who voiced their support, and the countless public safety professionals across California who helped educate decision-makers on why this issue matters.
Most importantly, I want to thank our members.
Many of you followed this legislation closely, responded to calls for action, and shared information with co-workers. Your engagement helped move this bill.
Although the Governor ultimately chose to veto the bill, the challenges that led to its introduction remain unchanged.
Law enforcement agencies throughout California continue to face significant recruitment and retention challenges. Agencies are competing for qualified candidates, experienced personnel are leaving the profession earlier than anticipated, and staffing shortages continue to place additional demands on the men and women who remain on the job. These are not theoretical concerns. They are realities that impact public safety agencies every day.
AB 1383 sought to address part of that challenge by providing additional flexibility and creating a path for local agencies and employee organizations to negotiate retirement benefits that support recruitment and retention. While some may disagree with the solution, the underlying workforce challenges remain very real and deserving of continued attention.
That is why VCDSA’s work on this issue will not end here.
Protecting and improving retirement security for our members will remain a legislative priority for this Association. We will continue working with lawmakers, coalition partners, public safety organizations, and future state leaders to advance policies that strengthen the profession and support those who choose a career in public service.
One legislative session does not define success or failure. Meaningful change often requires persistence, education, coalition building, and the willingness to continue advocating even after setbacks. The relationships built, support earned, and momentum created through AB 1383 have positioned us well for future conversations and future opportunities.
While this veto is disappointing, it does not diminish the importance of the issue or the effort that so many people invested in advancing it.
Thank you for remaining engaged, informed, and committed throughout this process. VCDSA will continue fighting for our members and advocating for policies that help ensure public safety remains a rewarding and sustainable career for future generations.
