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Bill

SB 1074

Allowing newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators to participate in EMS Retirement System

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Oliverio and 1 co-sponsor

Newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators will be eligible to enroll in the West Virginia EMS Retirement System, aligning their retirement with other EMS personnel.

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Bill Summary · SB 1074

Summary of SB 1074 (Session 2026, West Virginia)

Title

Allowing newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators to participate in EMS Retirement System

Purpose and intent

SB 1074 seeks to extend participation in the West Virginia EMS Retirement System (EMSRS) to newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators. The bill aims to clarify eligibility and ensure that operators who begin employment with eligible EMS organizations can enroll in and accumulate benefits within the EMSRS, aligning their retirement protections with other EMS personnel and public safety employees.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility expansion: The bill modifies the eligibility criteria to explicitly include newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators as participants in the EMS Retirement System. This creates a pathway for these workers to enroll in the EMSRS upon hire, subject to any standard enrollment requirements.

  • Enrollment timing: Provisions likely specify when enrollment occurs (e.g., upon hire or after meeting certain service or contribution thresholds). The exact timing details would determine how soon benefits accrue for newly employed operators.

  • Creditable service and contributions: The bill may establish rules regarding credit for prior service, required employee and employer contributions, and how service credits are calculated for operators who enroll. This could include minimum contribution rates or employer match specifics, consistent with EMSRS provisions.

  • Benefits and eligibility requirements: While the core aim is to enable participation, the bill may reference the types of benefits available (retirement, disability, survivor benefits) and any conditions or limitations tied to enrollment for newly hired operators.

  • Administrative updates: The measure could require updates to EMSRS governance documents, member manuals, or administrative timelines to implement the expanded eligibility. It may also authorize the EMSRS board to adopt rules necessary to carry out the new eligibility status.

Who is affected

  • Newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators who work for eligible EMS organizations in West Virginia would become eligible to participate in the EMS Retirement System.
  • EMS employers (public safety or third-party EMS providers) would be involved through mandated payroll contributions and potential administrative duties related to enrollment and reporting.
  • EMS Retirement System administration and governing board would implement changes, adjust enrollment processes, and update actuarial assumptions to reflect the expanded participant pool.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill would define the effective date, typically upon passage or a specified future date, and outline any transition provisions for current employees who are newly eligible.
  • It may require the EMSRS to perform outreach and enrollment processing within a defined timeframe to ensure timely participation of newly hired operators.
  • If actuarial impact analysis is required, the bill could reference a study or report to assess how expanded enrollment affects funding, contribution rates, and benefit sustainability.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Financial impact: Expanded participation can affect the EMSRS funding requirements, including employer and employee contributions and long-term actuarial assumptions. A funded status update or transition plan may be included or required.
  • Workforce implications: Improved retirement benefits could aid in recruiting and retaining EMS vehicle operators, contributing to workforce stability and succession planning.
  • Equity and parity: The bill aligns the retirement treatment of newly hired EMS operators with other EMS personnel and public safety employees, promoting consistency across the system.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to include specific language from the bill, anticipated fiscal impact statements, or a side-by-side comparison with current EMSRS eligibility rules.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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