Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act
The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act would expand who is considered a federal law enforcement officer (LEO) for retirement purposes. By amending title 5 of the U.S. Code, it adds several federal positions to the LEO definition for both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Specifically, it includes certain federal roles (investigative or firearm-armed positions outside the current covered categories, IRS delinquent tax collection, USPS Inspection Service, VA police officers, and CBP seized-property specialists) as LEOs. The act also provides a framework for current incumbents to have prior service counted as LEO service if they elect within a defined window, with deposits and government contributions to fund the difference, and introduces protections such as a temporary exemption from mandatory separation and required implementing regulations. In short, the bill aims to broaden retirement protections for a broader set of federal law enforcement roles and outlines how current workers would transition if they become covered under the expanded LEO definition.
Key Points
- 1Expands the LEO definition to include:
- 2- (E) Investigative or apprehension duties with firearm authority not otherwise covered, for federal employees.
- 3- (F) IRS employees whose duties are primarily delinquent tax collection and securing delinquent returns.
- 4- (G) United States Postal Inspection Service employees.
- 5- (H) Department of Veterans Affairs police officers under section 902 of title 38.
- 6- (I) CBP employees who are seized property specialists (GS-1801) involved in seized/forfeited property custody, management, and disposition.
- 7Applies to retirement when covered under FERS (8401(17)) or CSRS (8331(20)), with the amended definitions taking effect for new appointments on/after enactment and for incumbents who comply with the election process.
- 8For incumbents (existing LEOs), service after enactment is automatically treated as LEO service; prior service can be counted if the incumbent elects within the earlier of five years after enactment or before separation.
- 9For prior service electors, incumbents may pay a deposit into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to cover the difference between what would have been deducted under prior provisions and what was actually deducted, plus interest; if not fully paid, the prior service remains creditable but the annuity is reduced to make up the shortfall.
- 10Government contributions for prior service must be paid by the employing agency to the Fund, equal to the difference between the contributions that would have been paid under the amended law and actual contributions, with interest; these contributions are to be paid ratably over a 10-year period.
- 11Exemption from mandatory separation: LEOs are exempt from mandatory separation for 3 years from the date of enactment.
- 12Regulations: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management must issue implementing regulations, including provisions for survivor annuities where relevant.
- 13Rule of construction: The measure does not apply to reemployed annuitants.