This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow home confinement officers to participate in the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System without needing to be certified as law enforcement officers. The previous requirement for certification has been removed, broadening eligibility for the retirement system. Additionally, the bill extends deadlines for eligible home confinement officers to elect participation, thereby increasing access to retirement benefits. It also includes various definitions and provisions related to the retirement system, such as the calculation of accrued benefits and the roles of personnel within the system, ultimately recognizing the contributions of home confinement officers to public safety.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that any home confinement officer hired on or after October 1, 2025, must join the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System as a condition of employment, disqualifying them from membership in other retirement systems administered by the board while in covered employment. It allows for the transfer of assets from the Public Employees Retirement System to the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System for participating officers, ensuring their prior service is credited. The bill outlines the procedures for asset transfers, including actuarial valuations, and specifies that once an officer elects to transfer, the decision is irrevocable, requiring them to make contributions as detailed in the legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5V-2, 16-5V-6f