From the AFFI website:

A new law went into effect on August 13, 2009 that effects current and future downstate fire and police pension fund trustees, whether appointed or elected. The subject is the training of pension fund trustees.

The new law was contained in Senate Bill 1974 sponsored by Senator Don Harmon and Representative Kevin McCarthy, and signed by Governor Quinn on August 13, 2009. Here is a link to the language of the new law:  Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of Public Act 096-0429

Here are the highlights of the new law:

• Current appointed and elected pension board trustees (elected or appointed prior to August 13, 2009) must participate in a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education each year after the trustee is appointed or elected.
• This 16 hour requirement is an annual one, and can be fulfilled by attendance at the annual AFFI Pension Seminar. This year’s seminar is October 19 and 20, 2009 in Peoria.
• New pension board trustees, elected or appointed after August 13, 2009 must participate in mandatory certification training that consists of a minimum of 32 hours of training from a facility that is accredited and affiliated with a State of Illinois college or university.
• Current pension board trustees as of August 13, 2009 are not required to attend the 32 hour trustee certification training.
• The required training must be completed within the first year that a pension fund trustee is elected or appointed.
• The local pension fund shall pay the cost of the training
• Any pension board member who does not timely complete the training required is not eligible to serve on the board of trustees unless the trustee completes the missed training within six months after the trustee failed to complete the required training.
• In the event of the trustee’s failure to complete the required training, a successor shall be appointed or elected (whichever applies) for the trustee’s unexpired term. If a successor is to be elected, it must be at a special election called by the board and conducted in the same manner as a regular election.

Please contact any one of the AFFI Legislative Committee members with any questions or concerns you may have.

Fraternally,

Eddy Crews, Northern District Legislative Representative
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Chuck Sullivan, Central District Legislative Representative
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Richard Martin, Southern District Legislative Representative
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Pat Devaney, President
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