Unreduced early retirement annuity for probation agency employees authorization; probation agency employee contributions increase authorization

This bill, SF 1986, creates a new retirement benefit for Minnesota probation agency employees (including county/state probation officers, supervisors, and program managers) who separate after age 60 or with 35 years of service. It authorizes them to receive a full retirement annuity without any reduction for early retirement, effective January 1, 2028. The bill also specifies that these employees must contribute 6% of their salary to the retirement fund starting January 1, 2026 - matching the rate for other state employees - rather than increasing their contributions. The changes amend multiple sections of Minnesota’s retirement statutes to define eligibility and contribution requirements for this group.