This bill amends the Judges Retirement System in West Virginia by making several significant changes to the eligibility and benefits for judges. It provides that retirees under the post-2005 retirement system will be treated similarly to those under the pre-2005 system. The bill introduces an actuarially reduced pension benefit for judges who retire before the age of 65, while also increasing the surviving spouse plan benefit for certain judges. Additionally, it eliminates the limitations on retirement benefit increases and removes distinctions between judges when calculating benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children.

Key amendments include changes to the eligibility criteria for retirement benefits, such as adjusting the required years of service and age for judges, and ensuring that military service counts towards eligibility. The bill also repeals previous sections that limited benefit increases and adjusted annual retirement benefit calculations. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the retirement benefits for judges and their families, ensuring a more equitable system for all judges regardless of their retirement date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 51-9-4, 51-9-6, 51-9-6a, 51-9-6b, 51-9-6c, 51-9-6d
Committee Substitute: 51-9-6, 51-9-6a, 51-9-6b, 51-9-6c, 51-9-6d