This bill amends the South Dakota Retirement System to classify full-time 911 telecommunicators as Class B members, thereby extending retirement benefits typically available to law enforcement and emergency personnel to this group. The legal language has been updated to include 911 telecommunicators in the definition of Class B members, contingent upon their employing political subdivision adopting an ordinance designating them as such. This inclusion acknowledges the vital role that 911 telecommunicators play in public safety and emergency response.

In addition to this classification, the bill clarifies the criteria for Class A and Class B members, specifying that Class B members encompass various public safety roles, including air rescue firefighters and campus security officers. It also outlines the requirements for these classifications and allows municipalities operating city jails to elect to have jailers considered police officers, subject to board approval. Furthermore, the bill updates the definition of "911 telecommunicator" to encompass any employee whose primary duties involve managing public safety information through a 911 emergency reporting system, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding their roles in public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/28/2026: 3-12C-101, 34-45-22