The bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to update the definitions and eligibility criteria for the public employees retirement system, particularly for the public safety retirement plan. Key changes include redefining "correctional officer" and "firefighter" to require employment of at least thirty-two hours per week and twenty weeks each year for qualification. It also stipulates that new employees hired after the bill's effective date cannot participate concurrently in any other retirement plan administered by the public employees retirement system. Additionally, the bill closes the defined benefit main plan to new hires starting January 1, 2025, directing them instead to a defined contribution retirement plan.

Moreover, the bill modifies retirement eligibility criteria for national guard security officers, firefighters, peace officers, and correctional officers, establishing a normal retirement date based on age and years of service. It differentiates retirement requirements for peace officers based on their employment date, particularly for those hired after August 1, 2023. The bill also outlines the calculation of retirement benefits, including service and prior service benefits, and specifies conditions for early and disability retirement. Overall, the legislation aims to standardize and clarify retirement benefits for public safety personnel, ensuring equitable treatment across various roles within the sector.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-52-01, 54-52-02.15, 54-52-06.4, 54-52-17
Adopted by the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee: 54-52-01, 54-52-02.15, 54-52-06.4, 54-52-17
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-52-01, 54-52-02.15, 54-52-06.4, 54-52-17
Adopted by the Senate State and Local Government Committee: 54-52-01, 54-52-02.15, 54-52-06.4, 54-52-17
Enrollment: 54-52-01, 54-52-02.15, 54-52-06.4, 54-52-17