AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-109, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR A FIRST RESPONDERS RETIREMENT INCENTIVE UNDER WHICH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS WHO BECAME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2011, AND WHO HAVE AT LEAST FOUR YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICE CREDIT SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR OF CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR EVERY FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE AS A FIRST RESPONDER IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, AT NO COST TO THE MEMBER; TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-127, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO BE EMPLOYED AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WITH A LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT THAT HAS A CRITICAL NEED FOR OR SHORTAGE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND DRAW THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE RETIREMENT ALLOWANCE, DURING WHICH TIME THE RETIREE MAY WORK THE FULL NUMBER OF NORMAL WORKING DAYS FOR THE POSITION AND RECEIVE THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE SALARY IN EFFECT FOR THE POSITION AT THE TIME OF EMPLOYMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The proposed changes would amend Section 25-11-109 of the Mississippi Code, enhancing the retirement benefits for specific public safety members. This change is seen as a significant incentive to improve recruitment and retention rates among law enforcement and firefighting professionals who are part of the retirement system. The legislation acknowledges the critical nature of these jobs and aims to provide support to individuals who serve in these demanding and essential public safety roles.
Summary
House Bill 963, sponsored by Representative McMillan, amends sections of the Mississippi Code to provide a retirement incentive specifically for law enforcement officers and firefighters. The bill allows members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who joined on or after July 1, 2011, and have at least four years of service credit, to receive one additional year of creditable service for every five years they serve as first responders. This provision is intended to reward and retain current personnel in critical roles within the state's safety services.
Contention
The introduction of this bill may provoke discussions regarding the implications for the state budget and PERS funding. Critics may argue that while the incentive seeks to bolster first responder employment, it could place additional financial stress on the retirement system and the state’s resources. There is also concern regarding the fairness of providing additional benefits to specific groups while potentially neglecting other public servants who do not meet the defined criteria.