Bill > H272

This bill, named the Sergeant Mickey Hutchens Act, allows certain law enforcement, probation/parole, and correctional officers who have earned advanced professional certificates to purchase up to four years of additional creditable service in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) or the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS). To be eligible, officers must have at least five years of membership service and have received either an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission or the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission, or an Advanced Corrections Certificate. The purchase of service credits can only be made after receiving the certificate and must be paid as a lump sum that covers the full liability increase to the retirement system, plus an administrative fee. Employers may choose to pay all or part of the purchase cost, with funds being credited to different accounts depending on the source. The bill includes a critical safeguard requiring the State Treasurer to seek a favorable private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to ensure the act does not jeopardize the tax status of the retirement systems, with provisions for automatic repeal if such a ruling is not obtained. The provisions of the bill will become effective on January 1, 2027, honoring the intent to recognize and reward advanced professional achievement among law enforcement and corrections professionals.

Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H272