TELECOMMUNICATORS AS POLICE IN PERA

SB 173 reclassifies public safety telecommunicators (911 operators) employed by local governments as "municipal police members" under New Mexico's Public Employees Retirement Act. This change directly affects telecommunicators working for cities, counties, or other local public employers (not the state), granting them retirement benefits identical to police officers. The bill amends the retirement act's definitions to include telecommunicators under the "municipal police member" category, ensuring they qualify for the same pension and coverage plans as sworn police officers. It does not alter their job duties or pay but adjusts their retirement eligibility.