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Proponents of a bill that would boost retirement benefits for emergency dispatchers say the change could help improve recruitment and retention efforts in a high-stress profession that sees rapid employee turnover.
Senate Bill 173 would reclassify 911 dispatchers — also known as public safety telecommunicators — as “first responders”, a change from their current status as “clerical workers.” This would put them in the same category as police officers in the New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Act, which could lead to enhanced, 25-year retirement plans.
