This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow employees participating in the Teachers Retirement System to convert their accrued annual and sick leave into retirement service credit. Specifically, it introduces provisions that enable employees who have accrued leave to apply it toward an increase in their retirement benefits, with a formula that credits two days of leave for each day of service. The bill also clarifies that this conversion option is not available for employees who first join the Teachers Retirement System after July 1, 2015, and it maintains existing restrictions on the use of leave for those hired after July 1, 2001, and July 1, 2009.

Additionally, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for employees who are involuntarily terminated, allowing them to maintain their insurance coverage for three months at no additional cost, with the employer continuing to contribute to the premiums. It also specifies that employees discharged for misconduct may not be eligible for these extended benefits, although coverage may be extended while contesting the misconduct charge. Overall, the bill aims to enhance retirement benefits for teachers by allowing them to utilize their accrued leave more effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-16-13