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SB 314

Retirement: county employees; employment of retirant in a county sheriff’s office; allow without forfeiting retirement allowance. Amends sec. 12a of 1851 PA 156 (MCL 46.12a).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hertel

Michigan law now allows retired county employees to work in sheriff's offices while keeping their pensions, expanding recruitment options for county law enforcement agencies.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Bill Summary · SB 314

Legislative bill overview

SB 314 allows retired county employees to work in county sheriff's offices without forfeiting their retirement benefits. Currently, Michigan law requires retirees to forfeit their pension if they return to work in certain county positions. This bill creates an exception specifically for sheriff's office employment.

Why is this important

Sheriff's offices in Michigan face recruitment and retention challenges, particularly for specialized roles that benefit from experienced personnel. By allowing retirees to work without losing pensions, the bill aims to expand the labor pool and reduce staffing costs while providing departments access to experienced former employees. This addresses real workforce gaps in county law enforcement operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension sustainability concerns: Critics may worry that allowing retirees to simultaneously draw pensions and earn wages increases long-term costs to county retirement systems without corresponding contribution increases.
  • Fairness across sectors: Other county departments and public employees not in sheriff's offices might view this exception as inequitable special treatment for law enforcement.
  • Scope creep risk: The narrow exception for sheriff's offices could set precedent for similar exemptions in other county employment categories, gradually eroding the pension forfeiture rule's original intent.

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

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