The bill amends the West Virginia Code to enhance retirement provisions for law enforcement officers, specifically targeting campus police officers and home confinement officers. It introduces a new definition for "bona fide separation from service upon retirement," requiring a retirant to completely terminate employment with a participating public employer for at least 60 consecutive days. The bill allows campus police officers hired before January 1, 2026, to participate in the Municipal Police and Firefighters Retirement System under certain conditions, while mandating that all newly hired campus police officers must join this system starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, home confinement officers are authorized to join the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System, with new hires required to participate beginning January 1, 2025, and provisions for transferring from the Public Employees Retirement System to the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System.

Moreover, the bill clarifies definitions and conditions related to retirement benefits for emergency medical services officers, 911 personnel, home confinement officers, and county firefighters. It specifies that members are not entitled to credit for service years during any period of disability payments and outlines the calculation of "accrued benefits" based on service years and asset transfers. The bill also introduces provisions for adjusting employee contribution rates based on the retirement plan's funding status, with potential increases or decreases depending on funding levels. Additionally, it mandates that all newly hired campus police officers participate in the Deputy Sheriffs Retirement System, while current officers have the option to join without transferring accrued service credit. The bill further clarifies the authority and responsibilities of campus police officers, including their ability to carry firearms and assist local law enforcement, ensuring their employment conditions are governed by the respective state institution's governing board.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-4-5, 18B-7-5
Committee Substitute: 8-22A-2, 18B-4-5, 18B-7-5
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 8-22A-2, 16-5V-2, 18B-4-5, 18B-7-5, 16-5V-6f