Committee approves bill allowing sheriffs to collect both supernumerary and RSA benefits when earned separately

The committee returned House Bill 311 with a favorable report after the sponsor explained the bill and the committee adopted a clarifying amendment.

The bill authorizes an individual who independently qualifies for the Supernumerary Sheriff program and the Employees' Retirement System (RSA) retirement on separate years of service to participate in both programs. The sponsor said the impacted population is very small ("I don't think it'd take both hands to count them") and that the change would not affect the general fund.

An amendment replaced statutory text to clarify that no individual may participate in both retirement programs based on the same service but that sheriffs who qualify on separate years of service may participate in both. The amendment also included a 60-day election-notice requirement when an individual becomes eligible for payments under other county, state or municipal retirement plans. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and returned the bill with a favorable report.

Members said they would follow up on the exact count of sheriffs affected, but the committee proceeded to advance the bill at this meeting.