CA SB294

Requires the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Board to create a separate form for members to receive credit for military service, clearly stating members have no obligation to pay the employer contribution portion if eligible.

Mandates employers inform members of their military service credit rights within 30 days of returning to state service and provide the required form.

Requires state appointing authorities to send letters or electronic communications to all employees by April 1, 2017, informing them of military service credit rights.

Requires employers to inform new employees at the time of hire of their rights to purchase service credit for prior active service in the U.S. Armed Forces or Merchant Marine before their first employment with that employer.

Expands the definition of "public service" for certain PERS members to include active military service and rehabilitation periods (excluding purely educational rehabilitation) up to six months before first employment with an employer.