MS HB444

Amends Section 37-28-47 to allow charter schools to participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System, either through collective board election or individual teacher election.

Removes the prohibition on charter school employees being members of the Public Employees' Retirement System.

Amends Section 25-11-103 to define charter schools created under Chapter 28, Title 37 as instrumentalities of the state for purposes of Public Employees' Retirement System eligibility.

Charter school employees remain eligible for other benefits programs the school chooses to make available.

Effective July 1, 2014.