The proposed amendments to the North Dakota Century Code focus on the public employees retirement system, particularly the public safety retirement plan. Key changes include the redefinition of terms such as "correctional officer" and "firefighter," which now require a minimum of thirty-two hours of work per week and twenty weeks of employment annually. The bill establishes that individuals hired as correctional officers or firefighters after the Act's effective date cannot participate in any other retirement plan administered by the public employees retirement system. Additionally, it specifies that the defined benefit main plan will be closed to new eligible employees starting January 1, 2025, directing new hires to a defined contribution retirement plan instead.

Further amendments adjust contribution rates for peace officers and correctional officers, detailing specific percentages for their monthly salary contributions and employer requirements to support the retirement plan benefits. The bill also sets a two-year continuous employment requirement for eligibility for prior service benefits. It establishes normal retirement dates for national guard security officers, firefighters, peace officers, and correctional officers, with a combined age and service credit requirement of 85 years for retirement eligibility. Notably, it differentiates retirement eligibility for peace officers based on their employment date with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The bill clarifies the calculation of retirement benefits, including service and prior service benefits, and outlines conditions for disability retirement benefits and distribution options for retirement benefits.

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