Bill > S302

This bill allows law enforcement, probation/parole, and correctional officers who have earned advanced professional certificates from specific North Carolina standards commissions to purchase up to four years of additional creditable service in two state retirement systems (the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System and the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System). To be eligible, officers must have at least five years of membership service and have received either an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate or an Advanced Corrections Certificate. These service credit purchases must be made as a lump sum payment to the Annuity Savings Fund, with the amount calculated based on the full liability increase to the retirement system plus an administrative fee. The purchase is not tied to a specific compensation period, and employers may choose to pay all or part of the cost. The bill modifies existing retirement system regulations to allow these special service credit purchases, which will help recognize the advanced professional training and experience of these law enforcement and corrections professionals. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and are named in honor of Sergeant Mickey Hutchens, though the specific reason for this dedication is not explained in the bill text.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S302