arrow_back Back to App

Retirement Benefits for Disabled First Responders and Federal Employees

New rules allow federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other specified employees who become permanently disabled on duty to receive retirement benefits as if they had not been disabled. This aims to support individuals who sacrificed their health for public safety, enabling them to continue working in other roles without losing retirement benefits tied to their demanding initial service.
Key points
Federal law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, firefighters, air traffic controllers, nuclear materials couriers, Capitol Police, Supreme Court Police, certain CIA employees, and diplomatic security special agents permanently unable to perform their original duties due to an on-duty injury or illness can maintain their retirement benefits.
Service in a new civilian position, not a covered position, will count towards retirement service as if it were service in the original covered position, provided the transition occurs without a break in service exceeding 3 days.
Individuals have the option to elect out of this special service crediting and have their service treated under standard rules.
The provisions apply to injuries or illnesses sustained on duty on or after the date that is 2 years after the law's enactment.
article Official text account_balance Process page
VOTING RESULTS
2022-07-12
100%
For 417
Against 0
Abstain 0
Full voting results open_in_new
Became Law
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_521
Sponsor: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Process start date: 2021-01-28
Voting date: 2022-07-12
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 301
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-04-17
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

First Responder Fair RETIRE Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_521.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-01-28.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Federal law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, firefighters, air traffic controllers, nuclear materials couriers, Capitol Police, Supreme Court Police, certain CIA employees, and diplomatic security special agents permanently unable to perform their original duties due to an on-duty injury or illness can maintain their retirement benefits.
  • Service in a new civilian position, not a covered position, will count towards retirement service as if it were service in the original covered position, provided the transition occurs without a break in service exceeding 3 days.
  • Individuals have the option to elect out of this special service crediting and have their service treated under standard rules.
  • The provisions apply to injuries or illnesses sustained on duty on or after the date that is 2 years after the law's enactment.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Became Law.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Where is the official voting record?

The official roll call vote is recorded at: voting record

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Became Public Law No: 117-225.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Labor Security