Deadline approaches to fix Tier 5 retirement for Mississippi first responders

Advocates for Mississippi first responders warned that a looming legislative deadline requires quick action to address what they call problems with “Tier 5,” a retirement classification they say forces newer hires to work a decade longer than previous generations.

The call to act appeared in a social media post that named four bills supporters say could address the issue: House Bill 1126 and Senate Bills 2909, 2911 and 2613. The post urged lawmakers to move on the measures, saying first responders do not miss deadlines when lives are at stake.

Tier designations typically determine retirement eligibility and benefits for public employees. Supporters say the current Tier 5 rules create disparities between more recently hired first responders and those who came before them, and they argue the change could affect recruitment, retention and morale among firefighters, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers.

The status of the named bills was not provided in the post. Lawmakers consider such measures through committee hearings and floor votes before they can become law. We will provide more information as it becomes available.