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 every eligible employee of a participating political subdivision to state in writing their agreement to join the retirement plan at the time their 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 their 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 elect to permanently waive future participation in the retirement plan and retiree health program, thus maintaining their retirement status without further contributions. However, if they return to the same employer from which they retired, they cannot participate in the retirement plan or retiree health program if appointed to an unclassified state position by an elected official for the duration of that official's term. The bill is retroactively applicable 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
Enrollment: 54-52-05