Local governments could count five worker groups as public safety staff

A local government could vote to cover the listed workers as public safety staff in the retirement system. The option covers telecommunicators who respond to emergencies, jailors, road crew workers, lineworkers, and emergency medical service personnel employed by the local government. The local government's governing body must approve coverage by majority vote. If chosen, coverage applies to all past and future work for that employer by current and future employees. The choice cannot be changed after it takes effect. Without an election, these workers do not count as public safety staff when the minimum service retirement age is determined. Coverage takes effect on the latest of the first day of the month chosen by the local government, the first day of the month after the board receives notice, or the date the local government becomes an employer.

If an employer chooses coverage, its retirement contributions would change, and the usual limit on increases would not apply to increases caused by that choice. This applies to a local government employer that elects to cover the listed workers as public safety staff. The contribution change applies only if the employer elects to cover the listed workers. The usual limit on employer contribution increases does not apply to an increase resulting from this election. The contribution change takes effect on the same date as the coverage choice.