MS HB568

First responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services providers) hired on or after March 1, 2026, would be placed in Tier 4 membership of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), receiving more favorable benefit calculations than other new employees hired after that date

First responders in Tier 4 would have average compensation calculated using their four highest years of earnings, while other post-March 2026 employees must use eight highest consecutive years

First responders would retain eligibility for creditable service for unused leave at retirement, while other post-March 2026 employees receive no service credit for unused leave

Law enforcement officers covered include municipal police, sheriffs, deputies, constables, conservation officers, corrections officers, and jail officers who meet Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training certification requirements

Emergency medical services providers include State Department of Health-certified EMS personnel and full-time 911 dispatchers employed by state or local governments