PERS; first responders hired after 3-1-26 may receive retirement allowance after 25 years of service.

HB 1050 changes Mississippi's retirement system for certain first responders. It allows law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services providers who join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on or after March 1, 2026, to receive retirement benefits after 25 years of service, regardless of age. This specifically applies to new hires in these roles after that date, reducing the required service period compared to current rules. The bill does not affect current or earlier-hired first responders.