The bill amends the definition of "participating public employer" in the West Virginia Emergency Medical Services Retirement System Act to include not only county commissions and political subdivisions but also any emergency medical services agency licensed under 16-4C-6a that is designated by a county commission to provide emergency response through a county emergency dispatch center. This change broadens the eligibility for participation in the retirement system, allowing more agencies to support their emergency medical services personnel.

In addition to the new definition, the bill maintains existing provisions related to the retirement system, such as the calculation of accrued benefits and eligibility criteria. It also clarifies terms like "substantial gainful employment," "physical or mental impairment," and "year of service," ensuring consistency with current legal standards. The bill specifies how years of service will be credited based on hours worked, outlines conditions for receiving credit during disability payments, and details the circumstances under which previously credited years may be disregarded. Overall, these changes aim to enhance retirement benefits for emergency medical services personnel and improve support for those in critical emergency roles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5V-2