PERS; include first responders hired after March 1, 2026, in Tier 4 membership in the system.

HB 1559 changes Mississippi's retirement system rules for new first responders hired after March 1, 2026. It requires that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service providers joining the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on or after that date be placed in Tier 4 membership. This specifically alters how their retirement benefits are calculated, using a different average compensation method (based on the highest four years of earnings) compared to other new members. The bill directly affects future first responder hires in Mississippi state and local government positions.