The bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code concerning retirement provisions for multiple public employee retirement systems, including the West Virginia Public Employees Retirement System and the Deputy Sheriffs Retirement System. A significant change is the updated definition of "bona fide separation from service upon retirement," which now mandates that a retirant must completely terminate any employment relationship for at least 60 consecutive days without a prearranged agreement to return to work. The bill also expands the definition of active military duty to include service in the United States Space Force and aligns the "required beginning date" for retirement distributions with federal law. Additionally, it introduces a new section outlining the responsibilities of participating public employers regarding the notification of retirants who return to work and adds the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System to the provisions for the pick-up of member contributions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the conditions under which retirees can return to work without suspending their annuity payments, particularly for public service roles, and allows retirees to work in certain capacities while receiving their retirement benefits, provided they meet specific criteria. It also outlines the requirements for the distribution of benefits in accordance with federal regulations, ensuring timely payments and options for beneficiaries. The legislation aims to modernize and clarify retirement system regulations while ensuring compliance with federal standards, addressing the reemployment of retirees, and enhancing the clarity of definitions and processes related to retirement benefits across various public service sectors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-10-2, 5-10-19, 5-10-27b, 5-10-48, 5-10C-4, 5-10D-6a, 7-14D-2, 7-14D-9b, 7-14D-24a, 8-22A-2, 8-22A-11, 8-22A-34, 15-2-45, 15-2A-2, 15-2A-6b, 16-5V-2, 16-5V-13, 16-5V-35, 18-7A-3, 18-7A-13a, 18-7A-28b, 18-7B-2, 18-7B-12a, 20-18-2, 20-18-14, 20-18-30, 51-9-1a, 51-9-10, 51-9-12b, 15-2A-6e
Engrossed Version: 5-10-2, 5-10-19, 5-10-27b, 5-10-48, 5-10C-4, 5-10D-6a, 7-14D-2, 7-14D-9b, 7-14D-24a, 8-22A-2, 8-22A-11, 8-22A-34, 15-2-45, 15-2A-2, 15-2A-6b, 16-5V-2, 16-5V-13, 16-5V-35, 18-7A-3, 18-7A-13a, 18-7A-28b, 18-7B-2, 18-7B-12a, 20-18-2, 20-18-14, 20-18-30, 51-9-1a, 51-9-10, 51-9-12b, 15-2A-6e
Enrolled Version: 5-10-2, 5-10-19, 5-10-27b, 5-10-48, 5-10C-4, 5-10D-6a, 7-14D-2, 7-14D-9b, 7-14D-24a, 8-22A-2, 8-22A-11, 8-22A-34, 15-2-45, 15-2A-2, 15-2A-6b, 16-5V-2, 16-5V-13, 16-5V-35, 18-7A-3, 18-7A-13a, 18-7A-28b, 18-7B-2, 18-7B-12a, 20-18-2, 20-18-14, 20-18-30, 51-9-1a, 51-9-10, 51-9-12b, 15-2A-6e