Change retirement contribution rates under the Police Officers Retirement Act and optional benefit forms under the Cities of the First Class Firefighters Retirement Act

LB 179 increases police officers' required retirement contribution rate from 7% to 9% starting October 1, 2025, for cities of the first class, with cities covering these costs instead of deducting from officers' salaries. It updates firefighter retirement options by allowing those retiring on or after January 1, 1997, to choose lump-sum or installment payments of their retirement value, expanding choices previously limited to later retirees. The bill amends sections 16-1005 (Police Officers Retirement Act) and 16-1027 (Firefighters Retirement Act) to implement these changes and removes obsolete provisions. These adjustments directly affect police officers and firefighters in Nebraska's largest cities who are covered under these retirement systems.