This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to update the membership criteria and definitions for the public employees retirement system, particularly concerning the public safety retirement plan. Key changes include redefining "correctional officer" and "firefighter" to require a minimum of thirty-two hours of work per week and twenty weeks per year for eligibility in the retirement plan. Additionally, individuals in these roles hired after the bill's effective date will not be allowed to participate in any other retirement plans administered by the public employees retirement system concurrently. The bill also stipulates that the defined benefit main plan will be closed to new hires starting January 1, 2025, directing them instead to a defined contribution retirement plan.

Further modifications include establishing specific retirement eligibility and benefit calculations for peace officers, firefighters, and correctional officers. The normal retirement date for peace officers employed by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation is set as the first day of the month following their 55th birthday, with varying service requirements based on their employment date. The bill also introduces a new early retirement date for these officers at age 50 with three years of service. Additionally, it revises the calculation of retirement benefits for peace officers, particularly those in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and clarifies provisions regarding disability retirement benefits and options for surviving spouses. Overall, the bill aims to streamline and clarify retirement provisions for public safety personnel in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-52-01, 54-52-02.15, 54-52-06.4, 54-52-17