On March 5, 2009 the NH House of Representatives voted to modify retirement benefits by extending the retirement age and years of service of Group II Police Officers and Firefighters. The current law requires NH Retirement System  members of Group II consisting of police officers and firefighters work 20 years and attain the age of 45 in order to be eligible for a full service retirement.  The House has voted to extend the time-in-service to 25 years and age of retirement to 50. This measure will only affect new employees. This does not, as written, affect any member of the NH Retirement System.

  The NH Retirement Security Coalition comprised of representative groups of beneficiaries in both Groups I and II, are actively monitoring this vote and are speaking with House and Senate leadership as the Bill moves forward.    A coalition meeting was held in Concord today where the coalition leadership met and discussed the vote, strategies and direction. The NEPBA was represented at this meeting and is also closely monitoring the House action.   It is anticipated that this Bill will be forwarded to the Senate where additional hearings will be scheduled and testimony will be heard.    Please continue to look for additional information as it comes available.