An Act amending Title 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility for benefits, further providing for mandatory and optional membership in the system and participation in the plan.

This bill changes retirement options for Pennsylvania state employees, particularly affecting new Senators starting after December 1, 2026. It allows eligible employees to choose between mandatory pension system membership or optional participation in a separate retirement plan, with Senators required to make this election within 30 days of taking office. Employees who elect "solely participant" status in the plan (instead of pension membership) cannot later switch back, and missing the 30-day deadline forfeits pension credit for their Senate service. The bill also clarifies automatic plan participation for certain employees and rules for retirees returning to state work.