Mississippi House Bill HB847

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Retirement; allow PERS retirees to serve in Legislature in same manner as for elected county or municipal offices.

Impact

If passed, HB847 will alter existing regulations concerning how public employees can integrate retirement and elected service. The amendment to Section 25-11-127 will provide clear pathways for retired members to serve in the legislature, modernizing the relationship between retirement benefits and public service roles. This change highlights a shift towards more inclusive practices for seasoned professionals from the public sector to contribute their expertise in legislative functions.

Summary

House Bill 847 proposes amendments to the Mississippi Code of 1972 related to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Specifically, it seeks to allow members who are retired under this system to serve as members of the legislature while continuing to collect their retirement allowances. This is akin to provisions previously set for individuals in municipal or county offices. The bill aims to expand the opportunities for retired public employees to re-engage in public service without adversely affecting their retirement benefits.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns surrounding HB847. Some critics may argue that allowing retirees to serve while collecting retirement benefits could result in a diminished turnover of leadership within the legislature, potentially stifling new talent from emerging in public office. Additionally, there may be fears that this could create a public perception of favoritism towards retired public employees at the expense of active practitioners in local governance. These discussions poised to arise may echo broader debates about ethics in governance and the dynamics of public service obligations.