HCS/SCS/SBs 212 & 220 - This act revises certain provisions for law enforcement personnel. The act authorizes the superintendent of the Highway Patrol to proscribe increases for members of the Highway Patrol. The Superintendent will submit a salary schedule, which will include a comparison with the three largest police departments in the state, to the Governor and General Assembly who may review and make recommendations on the salary schedule report.

This act revises certain provisions of the police retirement systems in Kansas City. The act makes the plans consistent with the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. A member's benefit shall be vested upon the earlier of completing 25 years of service, age 60 with 10 years of service, or age 70 regardless of years of service.

This act also allows members of the Kansas City Police Retirement System to receive their retirement benefits in a partial lump sum. The act allows members with at least 26 years of service to receive an optional distribution under a partial lump-sum option plan. Requirements to make the election are provided. The method for calculating the amount of the lump sum distribution is provided. If a member chooses a lump sum distribution the base pension amount will be reduced according to the provisions in the act.

The act changes the membership of the retirement board. The board will consist of five members. If the city has a civilian employees' retirement system, the five members will consist of one retired member of the police retirement system, one active member of the police retirement system, one member of the civilian employees' retirement system and two other members who are elected. If the city does not have a civilian employees' retirement system, the one member of the civilian employees' retirement system is replaced by another at large member. The method for election to these positions is specified.

This act provides active members of the system who are on the retirement board with up to 10 days paid leave to be able to attend meetings and educational seminars approved by the retirement board.

The act authorizes the retirement board to administer early retirement incentives offered to employees in addition to other benefits such members may be entitled to. However, the city shall agree to increase its contribution to provide for the full actuarial costs of the early retirement incentives.

The act also adds a funeral benefit of $1,000 for members as of August 28, 2003, who die in service or who die after retiring.

This provisions are contained in HCS/HBs 152 & 180, CCS/HS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420, and SCS/HCS/HBs 152 & 180 (2003).
CINDY KADLEC