West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB712

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  
Report Pass
3/11/25  
Engrossed
3/14/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Enrolled
4/12/25  

Caption

Relating to retirement provisions of systems managed by CPRB

Impact

The legislation carries significant implications for how retirement benefits are calculated and disbursed, particularly concerning survivor annuity options. It enforces that retirement system benefits will follow specific guidelines so as not to infringe on rights that members have under state law. SB712's requirements may affect fiscal strategies within state retirement systems, as it could adjust how benefits are projected and funded, thereby impacting overall budget considerations.

Summary

SB712 addresses retirement provisions for state employees under systems managed by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board (CPRB). The bill emphasizes the distribution of benefits according to the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring compliance with federal regulations governing retirement accounts. It stipulates that benefits must be distributed by related dates based on members' and their beneficiaries' life expectancies, aiming to protect both employees and beneficiaries during the distribution process.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB712 is moderately positive among public sector employees, particularly those who value clarity in benefit structures and compliance with federal rules. However, there exists a level of concern regarding the rigidity of interpretations of benefit entitlements and the specific calculations employed in determining annuities, which some may perceive as potentially disadvantageous for certain retired members or their beneficiaries who do not fall neatly within the established parameters.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from the possible implications of this bill on retirees who may have designated beneficiaries that do not conform to traditional survivor arrangements. Some stakeholders could argue that the strict adherence to specified regulations might limit options for personalized retirement planning, thus leading to challenges in estate planning and financial security for retirees seeking to protect their families. The discussions about these implications are likely to influence the reception and implementation of SB712.

Companion Bills

WV HB3180

Similar To Federal Compliance for public employee retirement status

Previously Filed As

WV HB3234

Relating to disability retirement medical examinations of public employee retirement systems

WV SB450

Defining medical examination for disability purposes in retirement plans administered by Consolidated Public Retirement Board

WV SB449

Updating terms for Natural Resources Police Officers Retirement System and retirement systems for charter schools

WV HB3235

Adding Natural Resource Police Officers Retirement System and public charter schools for federal pick-up contribution purposes

WV SB582

Amending provisions of WV Public Employees Retirement Act

WV SB451

Relating to Teachers Retirement System and Teachers’ Defined Contribution Retirement System

WV HB3236

Relating to the Teachers Retirement System and the Teachers’ Defined Contribution Retirement System

WV SB452

Relating to Emergency Medical Services Retirement System

WV HB3242

Relating to the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System

WV HB3292

To expand the EMS retirement system

Similar Bills

WV HB3180

Federal Compliance for public employee retirement status

WV HB4540

To update all retirement plans to comport with federal law

WV SB549

Updating provisions of certain retirement and pension benefits

WV SB642

Establishing WV Public Safety Employees Retirement System

WV HB3236

Relating to the Teachers Retirement System and the Teachers’ Defined Contribution Retirement System

WV SB451

Relating to Teachers Retirement System and Teachers’ Defined Contribution Retirement System

AL HB190

Jefferson County, General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County, amended to identify the Personnel Board of Jefferson County as the civil service system of the county

WV SB450

Defining medical examination for disability purposes in retirement plans administered by Consolidated Public Retirement Board