Firefighter retirement updates approved

Lawmakers gave final approval Feb. 21 to a measure intended to refine changes approved last session to the retirement contribution rates for certain Nebraska firefighters.

Nebraska law classifies cities based on population. First class cities are those with a population between 5,001 and 100,000.

LB108, sponsored by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, corrects a provision in a bill passed last session that changed contribution rates for firefighters and municipalities in first class cities.

Under the bill, beginning March 1, 2025, firefighters in an absolute coverage group — those who contribute to both the state’s firefighter retirement system and Social Security — will contribute 6.5% of their salary if they are employed by a city with more than 60,000 residents that is located in a county with a population of more than 100,000.

A qualifying city will contribute a sum equal to 13% of such firefighter’s salary to the retirement system.

LB108 passed on a vote of 48-0 and takes effect immediately.