MS SB2908

First responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, emergency management personnel, and public safety telecommunicators) hired on or after March 1, 2026, become eligible for retirement benefits after 25 years of service regardless of age.

First responders hired 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 employees hired after that date.

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

First responders hired after March 1, 2026, will retain the ability to receive creditable service for unused leave, unlike other employees hired after that date who lose this benefit.

The bill defines specific categories of first responders covered, including municipal police officers, sheriffs, conservation officers, certified firefighters, EMS personnel, 911 dispatchers, emergency management personnel, and public safety telecommunicators.