MS HB782

Establishes a First Responders Retirement Incentive allowing law enforcement officers and firefighters who joined the Public Employees' Retirement System on or after July 1, 2011, and have at least 4 years of membership service credit to receive one additional year of creditable service for every 5 years of service as a first responder in Mississippi, at no cost to the member.

Requires members using this creditable service to be in good standing with no felony convictions at the time of retirement to apply the service credit toward the minimum years needed for retirement eligibility.

Permits retired law enforcement officers to be reemployed as law enforcement officers with departments experiencing critical staffing shortages and draw their full retirement allowance while working full-time and receiving full salary for the position.

Requires law enforcement departments seeking to employ retired officers under the new provision to provide documented, quantifiable evidence of critical need or officer shortage to the Public Employees' Retirement System.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.