NC H672

Repeals subsections (c) and (d) of Section 35.21 of S.L. 2017-57, which had eliminated retiree medical benefits for teachers and state employees who first earned service after January 1, 2021.

Restores retiree medical benefits for members of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, Consolidated Judicial Retirement System, Legislative Retirement System, and Optional Retirement Programs hired on or after January 1, 2021.

Applies retroactively to December 31, 2020, making the restoration effective for those whose benefits were previously eliminated.

Cites workforce recruitment and retention concerns, noting North Carolina's student population grows by approximately 20,000 students annually and competitive benefits are necessary to attract teachers.