This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow current campus police officers to participate in the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that enable existing campus police officers to opt into this retirement system, although any service credit or funds accrued prior to this choice cannot be transferred. Additionally, the bill mandates that all newly hired campus police officers must participate in the same retirement system starting January 1, 2026.

The bill also makes a technical correction to clarify that the provisions regarding participation in the Higher Education Retirement Plan do not apply to campus police officers, thereby ensuring that they are eligible for the newly established retirement system. This legislative change aims to enhance the retirement benefits available to campus police officers, aligning them with other law enforcement personnel in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-4-5, 18B-7-5