DE SB174

Adds Justices of the Peace, Commissioners, and Masters in Chancery to the State Judicial Pension Plan by amending the definition of "state judiciary" in Title 29.

Increases employee pension contribution rates from 3% to 4% for compensation between $6,000 and the Social Security wage base for State judicial officers covered by the plan on or after the effective date.

Provides a one-time opt-out provision allowing Justices of the Peace, Commissioners, and Masters in Chancery to remain in the State Employee Pension Plan instead if they choose, with the election period closing 30 days after the bill's effective date.

Updates Chapter 56 of Title 29 throughout for consistency by replacing references to "judge" and "member of the state judiciary" with "State judicial officer" to ensure new positions are included in pension benefits.

Effective January 1, 2024, and includes technical corrections to remove obsolete language and conform existing law to drafting standards.