KY HB516

Allows employees in probationary positions in the County Employees Retirement System to purchase service credit for their probationary period (up to 12 months) if they successfully complete probation, averaged 100+ hours per month, remain with the same employer, and purchase within 6 months of completing probation

Requires employees purchasing probationary service credit to pay both employee and employer contributions, though employers may elect to pay the employer portion on behalf of their employees

Extends eligibility for disability and death benefits to probationary employees who become disabled or die as a direct result of an act in line of duty or a duty-related injury, treating them as "employees" and "members" solely for these benefit purposes

Amends definitions in KRS 78.510 to include probationary position workers in the definitions of "employee," "member," and "participating" specifically for line-of-duty disability and death benefits

Clarifies that probationary positions cannot exceed 12 months, cannot be renewed for the same employee unless they have been away from the employer for at least 12 months, and must be uniformly applied to new employees who would otherwise be eligible for system participation