The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow home confinement officers to participate in the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System. It introduces a new section, designated 16-5V-6f, which outlines the eligibility and process for these officers to join the retirement system. Key changes include the insertion of definitions for "home confinement officer" and their inclusion in the category of "covered employment." The bill modifies the definition of "member" to include home confinement officers hired on or after July 1, 2025, as well as those who choose to participate in the retirement system, ensuring they receive similar benefits as other emergency medical services personnel.

Additionally, the bill establishes that home confinement officers cannot hold active membership in any other retirement system while employed in this role. It provides a mechanism for transferring service credits and assets from the Public Employees Retirement System to the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System, with calculations based on actuarial valuations and interest rates. Home confinement officers employed before July 1, 2025, can count their prior service towards retirement benefits upon rehire, and those employed on that date must elect to transfer into the new plan by August 29, 2025, with this election being irrevocable. The bill aims to ensure that home confinement officers are recognized and compensated appropriately for their service within the retirement framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5V-2, 16-5V-6f
Committee Substitute: 16-5V-2, 16-5V-6f
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 16-5V-2, 16-5V-6f