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Bill > SB997
WV SB997
WV SB997Allowing certain hospital staff members to begin withdrawing from retirement benefits in certain circumstances
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §5-10-52a, relating to the Public Employees Retirement Act; allowing certain staff members at certain formerly state-run hospitals to begin drawing their retirement benefit annuity before age 60 in certain circumstances; and clarifying that such certain staff members will be regarded as having retired directly from a participating employer in the Public Employees Insurance Agency for health insurance coverage in retirement.
AI Summary
This bill allows certain staff members at Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center, and Lakin State Hospital, who are part of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), to start receiving their retirement benefits before reaching the standard retirement age of 60 or 62, depending on their retirement tier. Specifically, employees who are at least 55 years old by November 1, 2025, and would otherwise be eligible for retirement, can begin drawing their retirement annuity. For those in Tier 1 of PERS, unused sick leave as of October 31, 2025, can be used to count as additional years of service for retirement. The bill also clarifies that these individuals will be treated as having retired directly from a public employer for the purpose of health insurance coverage through the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) in retirement, and their retirement benefits will begin on the first day of the month after the bill becomes law or when they turn 55, whichever is later.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
On 1st reading (on 02/24/2026)
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