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 officers, municipal police officers, and state police officers. It also stipulates that their pension will continue during this period of employment, but they will not accrue additional service credit or become members of the retirement system again.

Additionally, the bill mandates that affiliated public employers must track and document the employment details of reemployed retired members, including their hire and separation dates, prior employment positions, and salary. In the event of budgetary restrictions, these employers are required to lay off reemployed retired members before any active members. The bill aims to address staffing shortages in critical public safety roles while ensuring that retired members can return to work without losing their retirement benefits.

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