Del. House eyes early pensions for prison guards

The state House is set to vote on a bill allowing Delaware prison guards to retire with full pensions after 25 years of service instead of 30 years.

The bill cleared a House committee last week, even though lawmakers expressed concern about setting a dangerous precedent for other state employees.

But Department of Corrections Commissioner Carl Danberg and Gov. Jack Markell support the bill, which was scheduled for a House vote today.

Danberg says the early retirement option could help the DOC recruit and retain prison guards, many of whom tend to leave three or four years after the state pays for their training.

The proposal, which requires prison guards to contribute more to their pension plan, is subject to both legislative passage and approval by the Internal Revenue Service.