Bill > HB1705

This bill modifies the Virginia Retirement System's disability benefits program to include emergency dispatchers beginning July 1, 2026. Specifically, emergency dispatchers who are not already part of the hybrid retirement program will become participants in the disability program if their locality chooses to participate. The bill defines an "eligible dispatcher" as a full-time, salaried dispatcher working at a public safety answering point who is not currently in the hybrid retirement program. Localities employing these dispatchers will be responsible for funding the program's costs. The bill provides some flexibility for existing dispatchers, allowing those who were already receiving disability retirement benefits before July 1, 2026, or who were employed on June 30, 2025, to make an irrevocable election to remain under the existing disability retirement benefits. If no election is made by March 31, 2026, these dispatchers will automatically be enrolled in the new disability program. The legislation ensures that eligible dispatchers will have disability coverage similar to other participating employees, with provisions for benefit cessation, service retirement, and creditable service calculations.

Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1705