MS HB1016

First responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, emergency management personnel, and public safety telecommunicators) hired on or after March 1, 2026, may receive retirement benefits after 25 years of service regardless of age under the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).

First responders hired on or after March 1, 2026, will have their average compensation calculated using the four highest years of earnings, rather than the eight consecutive years required for other new PERS members.

The bill establishes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for qualifying first responders.

First responders hired on or after March 1, 2026, will retain the ability to receive creditable service for unused leave, unlike other new PERS members who lose this benefit.

The bill defines specific categories of first responders including certified law enforcement officers, firefighters meeting state training standards, certified emergency medical services personnel, 911 dispatchers, emergency management employees, and public safety telecommunicators.