HB 2796

Amends the Downstate Firefighter Article of the Pension Code. Provides for a Deferred Retirement Option Plan, under which a firefighter who is at least age 50 with 20 years of service may continue in active service for up to 3 years while having his or her retirement pension paid into a special account, to be distributed to the firefighter upon retirement. Bases the retirement pension on the firefighter's service and salary at the time of joining the DROP plan. Requires termination of service at the end of the DROP plan participation period. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.