The bill amends subsection 1 of section 54-52-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to employee participation in the public employees retirement system. Key changes include the requirement for eligible employees of participating political subdivisions to state in writing their agreement to join the retirement plan at the time their political subdivision joins. Additionally, all future eligible employees must be enrolled in the plan within the first month of employment. The bill also clarifies that employees who were not enrolled when eligible must be enrolled immediately upon notice of eligibility unless they waive their right to participate for past service.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for employees eligible for normal retirement who accept retirement benefits and later become employed by a different participating employer. These employees can choose to permanently waive future participation in the retirement plan and retiree health program while maintaining their retirement status. However, if they return to the same employer from which they retired and are appointed to an unclassified state position by an elected official, they may not participate in the retirement plan or retiree health program but can still maintain their retirement status. The bill is set to apply retroactively to December 14, 2024, and is declared an emergency measure.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-52-05
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Bekkedahl: 54-52-05
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-52-05