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 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. 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, ensuring compliance with the bona fide separation requirement.

Moreover, the bill addresses the reemployment of retirees, particularly law enforcement officers, allowing their annuities to remain intact under specific conditions, such as a minimum retirement period. It specifies that any re-employment must be reported to the retirement board to ensure compliance with the bona fide separation requirement. The legislation also clarifies the conditions under which retirees can return to work without suspending their annuity payments, particularly for those in child protective services and adult protective services roles. Overall, the bill aims to enhance clarity and functionality within the retirement systems while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and protecting the rights and benefits of public employees in West Virginia.

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