Bill > H0055

This bill amends Idaho's Public Employee Retirement System (PERSI) law to clarify the conditions under which a retired member can serve as a volunteer without jeopardizing their retirement benefits. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision defining a "bona fide volunteer" as an individual who performs service without compensation, does not do work typically paid by an employer, and is not attempting to misclassify employment as volunteering to avoid being considered an employee. Under this new provision, a retired member can provide volunteer services for a PERSI employer without being considered reemployed, which would otherwise potentially suspend or negate their retirement benefits. The bill includes safeguards to prevent abuse, stating that if a retired member claims to be a volunteer but does not meet the strict definition, they would be required to repay their retirement allowance and have their retirement negated. The provision will be in effect starting July 1, 2025, and is intended to provide flexibility for retired public employees who wish to continue serving their communities in a volunteer capacity without financial penalty.

Business and Industry

Commerce and Human Resources Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0055/