The bill HB343 amends the General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County by revising the eligibility criteria for participation in the pension plan. It removes the previous requirement that tied eligibility to an employee's civil service classification with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. Instead, starting October 1, 2025, all eligible full-time employees will be mandated to join the retirement system and contribute, while part-time employees and those elected or appointed to full-time county offices will have the option to participate. The bill also clarifies that certain positions, such as members of boards or commissions, temporary employees, and independent contractors, are not eligible for the pension plan.

Additionally, the bill introduces technical revisions to update definitions and provisions related to compensation and retirement benefits. It modifies the definition of "vested" benefits from "service" to "membership time" and specifies that unpaid membership time will not accrue for new members after August 16, 1996. The bill also outlines conditions for considering prior service as unpaid membership time and emphasizes that once an employee elects to join the system, that decision is irrevocable. Overall, these changes aim to enhance clarity, streamline membership requirements, and ensure compliance with updated legal standards for the retirement system in Jefferson County.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-37-123, 45-37-123
Enrolled: 45-37-123, 45-37-123