Bill H.838 proposes various amendments to the Group membership within the State Employees Retirement System in Vermont. Key changes include the redefinition of "Employee" to clarify eligibility for retirement benefits, specifically including certain positions within the Vermont Historical Society and the Department of Public Safety. The bill introduces a new classification, Group G, which encompasses employees in specific roles such as facility employees of the Department of Corrections and law enforcement personnel, with provisions for those first employed in these positions after certain dates to elect membership in Group G. Additionally, it allows for the inclusion of classified employees from the Department for Children and Families and other specified roles starting from July 1, 2026.

The bill also modifies language regarding accidental disability retirement, changing references from "his or her" to "the member's" for clarity and consistency. It establishes a new provision allowing Group F members who transition to positions eligible for Group G membership to elect to remain in Group F for one year after accepting the new position. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that these changes are implemented in a timely manner.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-455, 3-461, 3-16