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In 2024, the Tennessee General Assembly took a significant step in addressing the unique challenges faced by Tennessee’s public safety officers who are part of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) by unanimously passing House Bill 2683, now codified as Public Chapter 919. This legislation marks a pivotal moment in the state's approach to the retirement benefits of its law enforcement officers, firefighters, and correctional officers; individuals who dedicate their careers to protecting public safety and maintaining order. Recognizing the inherent risks and responsibilities associated with these roles, the General Assembly introduced the “hazardous duty supplemental benefit,” a new optional provision designed to offer enhanced financial security to those who retire after years of service in these demanding and often dangerous public safety positions.

Public Chapter 919 is not just a routine amendment to the retirement system; it represents both a deliberate and thoughtful effort to acknowledge the sacrifices made by public safety officers. By implementing this law, Tennessee joins a growing number of states that are reevaluating the retirement benefits offered to public safety individuals serving in high-risk professions. This enhancement ensures that public safety employees’ retirement compensation reflects the hazardous nature of their duties.

Selected fire departments in Tennessee were surveyed regarding what time keeping solutions, such as time clocks, are in use for their department and their experience with that method.