This bill amends the definition of "law enforcement officer" within the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to include a broader range of positions. Specifically, it adds titles such as county corrections police officers, state corrections officers, and various ranks within county police departments, among others. These additions allow individuals in these roles to be eligible for enhanced retirement benefits associated with the law enforcement officer category of PERS. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that current employees in these newly defined positions who were already enrolled in PERS will automatically be transitioned into the law enforcement officer category unless they opt out by signing a waiver.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that prohibits the hiring of individuals over the age of 35 for positions eligible for enrollment in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). This age restriction aims to ensure that new hires in these roles meet specific age criteria, while existing employees are not affected by this change. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-97