This bill amends current law to extend law enforcement officer (LEO) benefits to certain campus police officers who are enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Specifically, it adds a new definition of "law enforcement officer" to include permanent and full-time campus police officers appointed under P.L.1970, c.211, who do not meet the age or medical requirements for enrollment in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). This change allows these campus police officers to access enhanced retirement benefits that are typically reserved for other law enforcement personnel within the LEO category of PERS.

The bill clarifies that any member of PERS who becomes eligible for the LEO category will automatically be enrolled unless they choose to waive that right. If a member waives participation in the LEO category, they will remain in the regular part of the retirement system and receive standard benefits, while still being subject to mandatory retirement provisions applicable to LEO-eligible positions. This legislation aims to provide equitable retirement benefits to campus police officers, recognizing their role in law enforcement within educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-97