The bill amends the West Virginia Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (MPFRS) to provide special consideration for municipalities wishing to include their paid firefighters in the system. It introduces new language that states, "special consideration shall be given for municipalities to join the Municipal Police Officers & Firefighters Retirement System (MPFRS) for their paid firefighters." This change aims to facilitate the inclusion of more municipalities in the retirement system, thereby enhancing the benefits available to their firefighters. Municipalities that employ paid police and fire department members but do not have their own pension funds can elect to participate in the MPFRS, with eligibility limited to police officers and firefighters hired after July 1, 2015.

The bill also outlines the process for municipalities to make their election by July 1, 2025, and mandates that they notify affected employees about their decision and the opt-in process. Additionally, it includes provisions for the transfer of assets and service credits from the Public Employees Retirement System to the MPFRS for those who choose to join. Employees transferring to the MPFRS will be required to contribute four percent of their total earnings, and the bill specifies conditions under which their service years may revert back to the Public Employees Retirement System if payment deadlines are not met. Overall, the legislation aims to improve retirement benefits for municipal firefighters while ensuring a structured transition process for municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-22A-2, 8-22A-16, 8-22A-33, 8-22A-33a