The bill H.519 amends the Vermont State Employees Retirement System to establish a new Group G membership category for certain employees, particularly those in law enforcement and correctional roles. It defines Group G members to include facility employees of the Department of Corrections, employees of facilities for justice-involved youth, and employees of the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, provided they are first employed on or after July 1, 2023, or are existing members who elect to join by June 30, 2023. Additionally, it expands eligibility to sheriffs and deputy sheriffs starting January 1, 2025, and introduces a new category for municipal law enforcement officers who meet specific criteria, effective January 1, 2027.

The bill also outlines the retirement benefits for Group G members, specifying different retirement dates and allowances based on their employment start dates and service years. Notably, it includes a provision for a one-time irrevocable election for municipal law enforcement officers to transfer to Group G membership by December 1, 2026, with the effective date of participation set for January 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Passed By the House -- Official: 3-455, 3-459, 3-489
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 3-455, 3-459, 3-489