The Law Enforcement Equity Act would provide expanded benefits to officers classified as GS-0083 police officers. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced the legislation. They said that these law enforcement officers have similar responsibilities and face similar risks as officers who have more comprehensive benefits.
This legislation would expand the definition of “law enforcement officer” for retirement benefits to include all these GS-0083 officers. This would grant new status to:
- Employees authorized to carry a firearm and whose duties include the investigation and/or apprehension of criminals.
- IRS workers whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and securing delinquent returns.
- Employees in the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
- Those at the Department of Veterans Affairs who are department police officers.
This bill would also provide impacted officers the ability to retire after 20 years of service at age 50, or after 25 years of service at any age.
It is being reintroduced after previously failing to pass through Congress.
Booker said, “Our brave federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our important national institutions and our communities, however, too many of these officers still do not receive the retirement benefits they deserve. We must ensure all federal law enforcement officers receive fair compensation for their service and devotion to protecting public safety. We are re-introducing this bill because it’s time to right this wrong, and honor those who protect us.”
