The bill amends section 12a of the 1851 PA 156, enhancing the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners in Michigan regarding employee benefits. It introduces provisions that allow county boards to offer various types of insurance coverage, such as group life, health, accident, hospitalization, and disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Additionally, counties with 100 or more employees are permitted to self-insure for health and disability coverage. The bill also establishes guidelines for retirement plans, including monthly pension benefits based on years of service and average compensation, while ensuring that pension and retirement benefits are uniformly administered and that benefits are not denied due to employment termination after eligibility is established.

Moreover, the bill outlines the management of pension and retirement benefits, allowing county boards to create a board of trustees for oversight and investment of funds in compliance with state regulations. It introduces military service credit provisions, enabling eligible members to purchase credited service for up to five years of active military service. The bill also addresses the retirement benefits of judges and specific court employees, stipulating that their compensation calculations cannot exceed their total annual judicial salary. It includes guidelines for the treatment of pension benefits in divorce situations and allows counties with certain populations to include credit union employees in the retirement plan. Overall, the bill aims to clarify and enhance the retirement benefits framework for county employees while ensuring adherence to existing state laws.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 46.12