California lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom that would let police and firefighters retire with full benefits at 55 instead of 57 and increase the maximum pension accrual rate to 3% per year from 2.7%. The measure also raises a pension income cap for higher-earning public employees after passing the Senate 33-0 and the Assembly 70-2.
WHO:California lawmakers; Gov. Gavin Newsom; police and firefighters and their unions
WHAT:A bill advanced by the Legislature would expand retirement eligibility and pension benefits for California police and firefighters, including earlier full-benefit retirement and higher pension accrual rates.
WHEN:Reported Aug 31, 2026 at 1:30 PM ET
WHERE:California
WHY:The Legislature passed the measure to expand retirement eligibility and increase pension benefit formulas for public safety employees.
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