GA HB438

Lowers normal retirement age from 60 to 55 for all sworn law enforcement officers in the Department of Public Safety, as well as the commissioner and deputy commissioner, provided they have at least 10 years of creditable service

Extends eligibility for enhanced line-of-duty disability benefits to the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, including up to 80% of service allowance and a supplemental benefit of $5.00 per month per year of creditable service (capped at $150/month)

Guarantees a minimum monthly retirement benefit of 2% of highest average compensation (based on 24 consecutive months) for each year of creditable service for newly covered sworn law enforcement officers starting on or after July 1, 2026

Allows the commissioner and deputy commissioner to purchase up to 5 years of additional creditable service for prior local law enforcement employment by paying the full actuarial cost

Effective date is July 1, 2026, contingent on concurrent funding as required by the Public Retirement Systems Standards Law; automatically repeals if not funded