Mississippi House Bill HB1387

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

PERS; allow retirees to work as law enforcement officer for another employer and draw retirement allowance and work full time.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would modify existing statutes that govern the reemployment of retirees within the public sector. Traditionally, retirees face restrictions that disallow them from receiving pension benefits while employed within the public sector. HB1387 proposes significant changes by enabling retirees to receive their retirement allowances without a waiting period of 90 days and to work the full number of days in law enforcement positions, thereby potentially increasing the workforce in public safety roles.

Summary

House Bill 1387 amends Section 25-11-127 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to allow retired members of the Public Employees' Retirement System to be employed as law enforcement officers by employers other than their previous employer at the time of retirement. This amendment permits retirees to draw the full amount of their retirement allowance while working full-time in their new positions as law enforcement officers. The act aims to address the need for experienced law enforcement personnel in various jurisdictions.

Contention

While proponents argue that this change will enhance public safety by providing law enforcement agencies with well-trained and experienced personnel, some opponents might raise concerns regarding the financial implications for the public pension system. There may be discussions regarding whether the bill effectively balances the needs of the law enforcement agencies with the sustainability of the retirement system, particularly if an influx of retirees returns to work full-time while still drawing retirement benefits.