To extend the break-in-service consideration for firefighter retirements, and other purposes.

This bill updates who counts as a “firefighter” for federal retirement. It clearly includes both structural (nonwildland) and wildland firefighters, and it covers people who move into supervisory or administrative roles after at least three years on the fireline. If you moved up from structural firefighting, you must have no break in service when you switch; if you moved up from wildland firefighting, you can have up to a total of 24 months of breaks and still qualify for firefighter retirement treatment.

It also lets eligible workers count certain past service toward firefighter retirement if they lost out before only because of a break in service. Past service from October 1, 2003, up to the day before this law takes effect can count, but you have to submit a written choice before you leave your current agency and pay the extra retirement deductions you would have paid, with interest; your agency pays the government’s share, with interest. The Office of Personnel Management must inform affected employees and help them get records; this does not change any Thrift Savings Plan contribution rules.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal structural and wildland firefighters, including those now in supervisory or administrative roles; employees with qualifying service since October 1, 2003, who had breaks in service .
• What changes: Wildland firefighters moving into leadership roles can have up to 24 months of total breaks and still get firefighter retirement treatment; certain past service can be credited if you opt in and cover missed deductions with interest; agencies cover the government share with interest; no change to TSP rules .
• When: Past service between October 1, 2003, and the day before enactment can be credited if you file before leaving your current agency.