The bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to update the 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 specifies that the defined benefit main plan will be closed to new hires starting January 1, 2025, directing them to a defined contribution retirement plan instead.

Moreover, the bill modifies retirement provisions for national guard security officers, firefighters, peace officers, and correctional officers, establishing a normal retirement date of the first day of the month following their 55th birthday after three years of eligible employment. It introduces a requirement for peace officers hired after July 31, 2023, to complete ten years of eligible employment for normal retirement eligibility. The bill also clarifies early retirement dates and includes several insertions and deletions to streamline language and clarify eligibility for retirement benefits, ensuring equitable retirement options for law enforcement and emergency service personnel while addressing disability retirement benefits and procedures for beneficiaries in the event of a member's death.

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