This bill amends the definition of "law enforcement officer" within the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to include a broader range of positions. New titles added to this definition include various ranks within county corrections, county police departments, State corrections officers, sheriffs corrections police, and emergency responders such as firefighters and emergency medical technicians. These individuals, if employed on the effective date of the bill and already enrolled in PERS, will be automatically enrolled in the law enforcement officer category, granting them access to enhanced retirement benefits unless they opt out by signing a waiver.

Additionally, the bill introduces a restriction on hiring practices, stating that individuals over the age of 35 cannot be appointed to positions eligible for the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). This provision does not affect the employment status of individuals already in these positions prior to the bill's effective date. Overall, the legislation aims to expand benefits for certain public employees while establishing age-related hiring limitations for specific roles within law enforcement and emergency services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-97