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WV SB997

Bill

Status

Enrolled

3/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Randy Smith

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Allows staff members at four formerly state-run hospitals (Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center, and Lakin State Hospital) to begin drawing retirement benefits before reaching standard retirement age
  • Applies to employees who were over age 55 and employed at these facilities on October 21, 2025, and who are otherwise eligible for retirement except for not meeting the age requirement
  • Waives the age 60 requirement for Tier 1 Public Employees Retirement System participants and the age 62 requirement for Tier 2 participants
  • Ensures affected individuals remain eligible for Public Employees Insurance Agency coverage in retirement as if they retired from a participating public employer
  • Does not alter any other retirement system provisions for these members beyond the early age eligibility

Legislative Description

Allowing certain hospital staff members to begin withdrawing from retirement benefits in certain circumstances

Retirement

Last Action

House Message received

3/14/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance3/2/2026
Pensions2/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available