MS HB1012

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency management agency personnel who become members of the Public Employees' Retirement System on or after July 1, 2024, may retire with a retirement allowance after 25 years of creditable service regardless of age.

Public safety employees who became members between July 1, 2011 and July 1, 2024 retain the existing requirement of 30 years of creditable service to retire regardless of age.

Defines "public safety employee" to include law enforcement officers (authorized to carry firearms and certified by the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training), firefighters, and emergency management agency personnel.

Public safety employees who withdrew from service before July 1, 2024 and later rejoin the system are considered new members as of July 1, 2024 for purposes of the 25-year retirement benefit.

The act takes effect July 1, 2024.