Yesterday, the Public Pension Oversight Board held its first hearing of the 2026 interim. The board heard an overview of Kentucky's reemployment after retirement provisions from Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) Executive Director Ryan Barrow and Deputy Executive Director Erin Surratt. Presenters reviewed the legal requirements that apply when retired public employees return to work, including separation-of-service requirements, reporting obligations, employer contributions, and compliance standards for participating employers. 

As part of the presentation, officials discussed the implementation of House Bill 213, a KLC initiative that updates state law to expand employment flexibility for retired police officers by allowing cities the option to provide or authorize employer-sponsored health insurance, beginning August 1, 2026.  

HB 213 also makes it consistent that all cities use the immediately preceding year to determine the number of exempt positions permissible for reemployment of retired police officers. Presenters emphasized the importance of timely reporting and compliance with KPPA requirements to ensure employers and retirees remain eligible under the law. Watch the full hearing HERE.