DE HB164

Defines "Correction Officer" as Department of Correction employees supervising inmates in secured facilities with Correctional Officer job title and authorized to receive Hazardous Duty Level A-1 pay.

Establishes employee contribution rate of 4% of annual compensation for Correction Officers, or 6% for those who are also Post-2011 employees, under the State Employees' Pension Plan.

Permits Correction Officers to retire at 25 years of credited service without reduction, regardless of age, exclusive of certain types of previously credited service.

Effectiveness is contingent on receiving a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service confirming the plan maintains qualified status under tax law.

Upon IRS approval, employee contribution changes take effect January 1 of the following year, with retirement eligibility under the new provisions available two years after contributions begin.