Bill > HB2579

This bill amends the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) to expand enhanced retirement benefits for specific public service employees, including full-time salaried 911 dispatchers, full-time animal control officers, and sworn municipal park rangers who qualify as conservators of the peace. The enhanced benefits, which are equivalent to those provided to state police officers, will apply only to service earned in these positions on or after July 1, 2026, though employers have the discretion to provide these enhanced benefits for service earned before that date as well. The bill allows local governments to provide retirement benefits similar to those of state police officers for these roles, with options for early retirement and post-retirement supplements. The legislation specifically addresses retirement allowance calculations, vesting requirements, and gives employers the flexibility to elect these enhanced benefits for qualifying employees in hazardous duty positions. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026, giving local governments time to prepare for and implement the new retirement benefit provisions.

Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2579