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HB 1072

PERS; allow retirees to work as law enforcement officer for another employer and draw retirement allowance and work full time.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Haney

Allows Mississippi PERS retirees to work full-time as law enforcement officers while drawing full retirement benefits, addressing police staffing needs but potentially straining pension fund finances.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1072

Legislative bill overview

HB 1072 would allow Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) retirees to work full-time as law enforcement officers for another employer while simultaneously drawing their full retirement benefits. Currently, PERS rules typically restrict retirees from earning substantial income while receiving retirement payments. This bill creates an exception specifically for law enforcement employment.

Why is this important

Law enforcement agencies across Mississippi face persistent recruitment and retention challenges, and this bill aims to address staffing shortages by making retired officers available as full-time employees. However, it also raises questions about the financial sustainability of PERS and whether retirees should receive dual compensation (salary plus full retirement benefits) from public funds.

Potential points of contention

  • PERS fund sustainability: Allowing retirees to draw full benefits while earning full salaries could increase long-term costs to the retirement system, potentially affecting contribution rates or benefits for future retirees
  • Fairness to other retirees: PERS members in non-law-enforcement professions would not receive similar dual-income privileges, creating a two-tier system based on occupation
  • Salary duplication concerns: Taxpayers would effectively pay twice for the same person's labor—once through retirement pension and again through law enforcement wages

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

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