HB 5211

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. With respect to persons who, on or after January 1, 2011, become participants or members under the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, Chicago Firefighter, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), Chicago Municipal, Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserve, Chicago Laborers, Chicago Park District, and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Articles of the Code, provides that, beginning on January 1, 2025 for all purposes under the Code (including, without limitation, the calculation of benefits and employee contributions) the annual earnings, salary, or wages (based on the plan year) of a member or participant shall not exceed the Social Security wage base for the applicable plan year. Provides that a participant or member shall be entitled to a retirement annuity upon written application if he or she: (1) has attained age 62, has at least 35 years of service credit, and is otherwise eligible under the requirements of the applicable Article; (2) has attained age 64, has at least 20 years of service credit, and is otherwise eligible under the requirements of the applicable Article; or (3) has attained age 67, has at least 10 years of service credit, and is otherwise eligible under the requirements of the applicable Article. Provides for a reduced annuity for persons who retire before reaching a specified age. Provides that any retirement annuity or supplemental annuity shall be subject to annual increases on January 1 beginning with the January following the member's or participant's first annuity payment date. Provides that the annual increase shall be calculated at 3% of the originally granted retirement annuity. Provides that the changes do not apply to the extent that the changes would result in an impairment or diminishment of a pension benefit. Provides that the changes are intended to be retroactive to January 1, 2011. Makes conforming changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.