Fla. unlikely to approve changes to state pension

TALLAHASSE, Fla. — For the second year in a row, it appears legislators will reject changes to the state's pension plan.

The Florida Senate on Wednesday refused by a 21-15 vote to take up a bill that would steer public employees away from the state's traditional pension plan, also known as the Florida Retirement System.

The bill passed by the Florida House would stop elected officials and top employees in state government from enrolling in the state's traditional pension plan.

The legislation would also automatically place newly hired public employees in an investment 401(k) plan if the employees failed to make a choice within eight months of starting their jobs.

House Speaker Will Weatherford acknowledged that the bill was in "trouble" with just two days left in the annual session.

WFTV