CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Critics of a proposal to create a new public pension system urged New Hampshire lawmakers Thursday to spend more time studying the idea, warning that the planned changes could make it more difficult to recruit and retain good employees.

State Sen. Fenton Groen's bill to create a defined contribution plan for workers hired beginning Nov. 1 could dilute pensions that police and firefighters received, Assistant Safety Commissioner Earl Sweeney warned.

"Fewer people today choose to go into an occupation where they know they will have to go to work every day wearing a bulletproof vest; will be required to work Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; will miss important events in the lives of their families and children; will deal with hours of boredom punctuated by sudden, extreme stress; bear up under constant scrutiny and criticism; and face lawsuits and potential death around the next corner," Sweeney said.