Bill > SB2901

This bill, known as the "Save Our Badge and Shield Act," amends Mississippi law to ensure that first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, emergency management personnel, and public safety telecommunicators, who join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on or after March 1, 2026, receive the same retirement benefits and conditions as those who joined between July 1, 2011, and March 1, 2026. The bill specifically modifies definitions within PERS law to include "first responder" and clarifies how average compensation is calculated for these individuals, ensuring their retirement benefits are not negatively impacted by joining the system after the specified date. It also makes changes related to creditable service, such as service for unused leave, and retirement allowance calculations, ensuring consistency for first responders regardless of their joining date after March 1, 2026. The act takes effect on March 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2901.xml