This bill amends Section 10-11-8 NMSA 1978 to expand the definition of "peace officer" to include retired members who are employed by the state and possess peace officer powers, allowing them to return to work under specific conditions. The bill outlines the requirements for retired members to be reemployed, including a minimum of ninety consecutive days since their retirement, and specifies the types of positions they may hold, such as adult correctional officer, municipal police officer, and state police officer. It also stipulates that their pension will continue during reemployment, but they will not accrue additional service credit or become members of the retirement system during this period.

Additionally, the bill mandates that affiliated public employers must track and document the employment details of reemployed retired members and prioritize their layoff in case of budgetary restrictions. The definition of "peace officer" is clarified to include both certified law enforcement officers and state employees with duties related to maintaining public order or making arrests. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate the return of experienced retired peace officers to the workforce while ensuring that their retirement benefits are preserved.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 10-11-8
Final Version: 10-11-8