The bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to update membership criteria and definitions 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 for a minimum of twenty weeks each year to qualify. It also establishes 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 eligible employees starting January 1, 2025, directing them to a defined contribution retirement plan instead.

Further amendments adjust contribution rates for peace officers and correctional officers, revise eligibility criteria for prior service benefits, and clarify retirement dates for national guard security officers, firefighters, peace officers, and correctional officers. The normal retirement date is set for the first day of the month following the officer's 55th birthday after completing three years of eligible employment, with specific requirements for peace officers hired after July 31, 2023. The bill also includes several insertions and deletions to streamline language and clarify eligibility for retirement benefits, ensuring that correctional officers and peace officers employed by both the state and political subdivisions are included in the provisions. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines and updated requirements for retirement eligibility and benefits for law enforcement and emergency service personnel.

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