The bill S.229 proposes the establishment of the Legislative Compensation Commission, tasked with reviewing and making recommendations regarding the compensation and benefits for members of the General Assembly, as well as staffing and administrative support. The Commission will consist of appointed members, including former legislators, and will meet biennially to assess issues such as salary adequacy, recruitment challenges, and potential additional benefits for legislators. The Commission's recommendations will be submitted to the General Assembly, which can either accept or reject them, with provisions for re-evaluation if rejected.
Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to make members of the General Assembly eligible for participation in the State employees' health benefit plan under the same terms and costs as Executive Branch employees. It specifies that members will pay the same portion of health insurance premiums as Executive Branch employees, thereby aligning their benefits more closely with those of state employees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: As Introduced: 32-1010, 3-631