Statewide volunteer firefighting retirement plan provisions modification

This bill modifies the Minnesota statewide volunteer firefighting retirement plan to clarify definitions and adjust eligibility rules for volunteer firefighters. It introduces specific terms to distinguish between firefighters who work on an on-call basis for compensation and those who serve on a volunteer basis with only expense reimbursement. The legislation also updates the timeline for requesting coverage, requiring applications to be submitted between March 31 and July 16, and restricts certain affiliated organizations from enrolling in the monthly division of the defined benefit plan after December 31, 2026. Additionally, the bill mandates that entities choosing the defined contribution plan cannot later switch to the defined benefit plan. These changes directly affect volunteer fire departments, relief associations, and municipalities that currently participate in or wish to join the state retirement system.