PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 3730, 3853, 3916

PRINTER'S NO.  3928

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

2497

Session of

2010

  

  

INTRODUCED BY D. EVANS, BRIGGS, PARKER, WILLIAMS, GALLOWAY, DePASQUALE, KORTZ, W. KELLER, MYERS, SHAPIRO AND SIPTROTH, MAY 11, 2010

  

  

AS AMENDED ON THIRD CONSIDERATION, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE 16, 2010  

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Titles 24 (Education) and 71 (State Government) of the

2

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Title 24, further

3

providing for definitions, for contributions by the

4

Commonwealth, for payments by employers, for actuarial cost

5

method, for additional supplemental annuities, for further

6

additional supplemental annuities, for supplemental annuities

7

commencing 1994, for supplemental annuities commencing 1998,

8

for supplemental annuities commencing 2002, for supplemental

9

annuities commencing 2003, for administrative duties of

10

board, for payments to school entities by Commonwealth, for

11

eligibility points for retention and reinstatement of service

12

credits and for creditable nonschool service; providing for

13

election to become a Class T-F member; further providing for

14

classes of service, for eligibility for annuities, for

15

eligibility for vesting, for member contributions for

16

creditable school service, for contributions for purchase of

17

credit for creditable nonschool service, for maximum single

18

life annuity, for disability annuities, for member's options,

19

for duties of board regarding applications and elections of

20

members and for rights and duties of school employees and

21

members; in Title 71, providing for definitions; further

22

providing for credited State service, for retention and

23

reinstatement of service credits, for creditable NONSTATE

24

service and for classes of service; providing for election to

25

become a Class A-4 member; further providing for eligibility

26

for annuities, for eligibility for vesting, for waiver of

27

regular member contributions and Social Security integration

28

member contributions, for member contributions for purchase

29

of credit for previous State service or to become a full

30

coverage member, for contributions for the purchase of credit

31

for creditable nonstate service, for contributions by the

32

Commonwealth and other employers, for actuarial cost method, 

 


1

for maximum single life annuity, for disability annuities and

2

for member's options; providing for payment of accumulated

3

deductions resulting from Class A-3 service; further

4

providing for additional supplemental annuities, for further

5

additional supplemental annuities, for supplemental annuities

6

commencing 1994, for supplemental annuities commencing 1998,

7

for supplemental annuities commencing 2002, for supplemental

8

annuities commencing 2003, for special supplemental

9

postretirement adjustment of 2002, for administrative duties

10

of the board, for duties of board to advise and report to

11

heads of departments and members, for duties of board

12

regarding applications and elections of members, for

13

installment payments of accumulated deductions, for rights

14

and duties of State employees and members, for State

15

accumulation account, for State Police Benefit Account, for

16

Enforcement Officers' Benefit Account, for supplemental

17

annuity account and for construction of part; and providing

18

for recertification to the Secretary of the Budget, for

19

holding certain public officials harmless, for construction

20

of calculation or actuarial method and for certain

21

operational provisions.

22

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

23

hereby enacts as follows:

24

Section 1.  The definitions of "basic contribution rate,"

25

"class of service multiplier," "employer," "standard single life

26

annuity," "superannuation or normal retirement age" and "vestee"

27

in section 8102 of Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

28

Statutes are amended to read:

29

§ 8102.  Definitions.

30

The following words and phrases when used in this part shall

31

have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the

32

meanings given to them in this section:

33

* * *

34

"Basic contribution rate."  For Class T-A, T-B and T-C

35

service, the rate of 6 1/4%. For Class T-D service, the rate of

36

7 1/2%. For all active members on the effective date of this

37

provision who are currently paying 5 1/4% and elect Class T-D

38

service, the rate of 6 1/2%. For Class T-E service, the rate of

39

7 1/2%. For Class T-F service, the rate of 10.30%.

40

* * *

- 2 -

 


1

"Class of service multiplier."

2

Class of service

   Multiplier

3

T-A

     .714

4

T-B

     .625

5

T-C

    1.000

6

T-D

    1.000

7

T-E

    1.000

8

T-F

    1.000

9

* * *

10

"Employer."  Any governmental entity directly responsible for

11

the employment and payment of the school employee and charged

12

with the responsibility of providing public education within

13

this Commonwealth, including but not limited to: State-owned

14

colleges and universities, the Pennsylvania State University,

15

community colleges, area vocational-technical schools,

16

intermediate units, the State Board of Education, Scotland

17

School for Veterans' Children, Thaddeus Stevens [State School]

18

College of Technology, and the [Pennsylvania State Oral] Western

19

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.

20

* * *

21

"Standard single life annuity."  For Class T-A, T-B and T-C

22

credited service of a member, an annuity equal to 2% of the

23

final average salary, multiplied by the total number of years

24

and fractional part of a year of credited service of a member.

25

For Class T-D credited service of a member, an annuity equal to

26

2.5% of the final average salary, multiplied by the total number

27

of years and fractional part of a year of credited service. For

28

Class T-E credited service of a member, an annuity equal to 2%

29

of the final average salary, multiplied by the total number of

30

years and fractional part of a year of credited service of a

- 3 -

 


1

member. For Class T-F credited service of a member, an annuity

2

equal to 2.5% of the final average salary, multiplied by the

3

total number of years and fractional part of a year of credited

4

service of a member.

5

* * *

6

"Superannuation or normal retirement age."

7

Class of service

Age

8

9

T-A

  

62 or any age upon accrual of 35 eligibility points

10

T-B

62

11

12

13

14

15

T-C and T-D

  

  

  

  

62 or age 60 provided the member has at least 30 eligibility points or any age upon accrual of 35 eligibility points

16

17

18

19

T-E and T-F

  

  

  

65 with accrual of at least three eligibility points or any age upon accrual of 35 eligibility points

20

* * *

21

"Vestee."  A member with five or more eligibility points who

22

has terminated school service, has left his accumulated

23

deductions in the fund and is deferring filing of an application

24

for receipt of an annuity. For Class T-E and Class T-F members,

25

a member with ten or more eligibility points who has terminated

26

school service, has left his accumulated deductions in the fund

27

and is deferring filing of an application for receipt of an

28

annuity.

29

Section 2.  Sections 8303(c) and 8304(a) of Title 24 are

30

amended to read:

- 4 -

 


1

§ 8303.  Eligibility points for retention and reinstatement of

2

service credits.

3

* * *

4

(c)  Purchase of previous creditable service.--Every active

5

member of the system or a multiple service member who is an

6

active member of the State Employees' Retirement System on or

7

after the effective date of this part may purchase credit and

8

receive eligibility points:

9

(1)  as a member of Class T-C, Class T-E or Class T-F for

10

previous school service or creditable nonschool service; or

11

(2)  as a member of Class T-D for previous school

12

service, provided the member elects to become a Class T-D

13

member pursuant to section 8305.1 (relating to election to

14

become a Class T-D member);

15

upon written agreement by the member and the board as to the

16

manner of payment of the amount due for credit for such service;

17

except, that any purchase for reinstatement of service credit

18

shall be for all service previously credited.

19

§ 8304.  Creditable nonschool service.

20

(a)  Eligibility.--An active member or a multiple service

21

member who is an active member of the State Employees'

22

Retirement System shall be eligible to receive Class T-C, Class

23

T-E or Class T-F service credit for creditable nonschool service

24

and Class T-D, Class T-E or Class T-F service for intervening

25

military service, provided the member becomes a Class T-D member

26

pursuant to section 8305.1 (relating to election to become a

27

Class T-D member) or Class T-F member pursuant to section 8305.2

28

(relating to election to become a Class T-F member) or 8305

29

(relating to classes of service), as set forth in subsection (b)

30

provided that he is not entitled to receive, eligible to receive

- 5 -

 


1

now or in the future, or is receiving retirement benefits for

2

such service under a retirement system administered and wholly

3

or partially paid for by any other governmental agency or by any

4

private employer, or a retirement program approved by the

5

employer in accordance with section 8301(a)(1) (relating to

6

mandatory and optional membership), and further provided that

7

such service is certified by the previous employer and the

8

manner of payment of the amount due is agreed upon by the

9

member, the employer, and the board.

10

* * *

11

Section 3.  Section 8305 of Title 24 is amended by adding

12

subsections to read:

13

§ 8305.  Classes of service.

14

* * *

15

(d)  Class T-E membership.--Notwithstanding any other

16

provision, a person who first becomes a school employee and an

17

active member, or a person who first becomes a multiple service

18

member who is a State employee and a member of the State

19

Employees' Retirement System, on or after the effective date of

20

this subsection shall be classified as a Class T-E member upon

21

payment of regular member contributions.

22

(e)  Class T-F membership.--Notwithstanding any other

23

provision, a person who first becomes a school employee and an

24

active member, or a person who first becomes a multiple service

25

member who is a State employee and a member of the State

26

Employees' Retirement System, on or after the effective date of

27

this subsection, and who is eligible to become a Class T-E

28

member, shall have the right to elect into Class T-F membership,

29

provided the person elects to become a Class T-F member pursuant

30

to section 8305.2 (relating to election to become a Class T-F

- 6 -

 


1

member), upon written election filed with the board and payment

2

of regular member contributions.

3

Section 4.  Title 24 is amended by adding a section to read:

4

§ 8305.2.  Election to become a Class T-F member.

5

(a)  General rule.--A person who first becomes a school

6

employee and an active member, or a person who first becomes a

7

multiple service member who is a State employee and a member of

8

the State Employees' Retirement System, on or after the

9

effective date of this subsection and who is eligible to become

10

a Class T-E member may elect to become a member of Class T-F.

11

(b)  Time for making election.--A member must elect to become

12

a Class T-F member by filing a written election with the board

13

within 45 days of notification by the board that such member is

14

eligible for such election.

15

(c)  Effect of election.--An election to become a Class T-F

16

member shall be irrevocable. A member who elects Class T-F

17

membership shall receive Class T-F service credit on any and all

18

future service, regardless of whether the member terminates

19

service or has a break in service.

20

(d)  Effect of failure to make election.--If a member fails

21

to timely file an election to become a Class T-F member, then

22

the member shall be enrolled as a member of Class T-E and the

23

member shall never be able to elect Class T-F service,

24

regardless of whether the member terminates service or has a

25

break in service.

26

Section 5.  Sections 8307(b), 8308, 8323(a), (c) and (c.1),

27

8324(a), (b), (d), (e) and (f), 8326(a), 8327(a) and (c), 8328,

28

8342(a), 8344(d), 8345(a), 8348.1(f), 8348.2(f), 8348.3(f),

29

8348.5(f), 8348.6(f), 8348.7(f) and 8502(k) of Title 24 are

30

amended to read:

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1

§ 8307.  Eligibility for annuities.

2

* * *

3

(b)  Withdrawal annuity.--A vestee in Class T-C or Class T-D 

4

with five or more eligibility points or an active or inactive

5

Class T-C or Class T-D member who terminates school service

6

having five or more eligibility points shall, upon filing a

7

proper application, be entitled to receive an early annuity. A

8

vestee in Class T-E or Class T-F with ten or more eligibility

9

points or an active or inactive Class T-E or Class T-F member

10

who terminates school service having ten or more eligibility

11

points shall, upon filing a proper application, be entitled to

12

receive an early annuity.

13

* * *

14

§ 8308.  Eligibility for vesting.

15

Any Class T-C or Class T-D member who terminates school

16

service with five or more eligibility points shall be entitled

17

to vest his retirement benefits until attainment of

18

superannuation age. Any Class T-E or Class T-F member who

19

terminates school service with ten or more eligibility points

20

shall be entitled to vest his retirement benefits until

21

attainment of superannuation age.

22

§ 8323.  Member contributions for creditable school service.

23

(a)  Previous school service, sabbatical leave and full

24

coverage.--The contributions to be paid by an active member or

25

an eligible State employee for credit for reinstatement of all

26

previously credited school service, school service not

27

previously credited, sabbatical leave as if he had been in full-

28

time daily attendance, or full-coverage membership shall be

29

sufficient to provide an amount equal to the accumulated

30

deductions which would have been standing to the credit of the

- 8 -

 


1

member for such service had regular member contributions been

2

made with full coverage at the rate of contribution necessary to

3

be credited as Class T-C service [or], Class T-D service if the

4

member is a Class T-D member, or Class T-E service if the member

5

is a Class T-E member, or Class T-F service if the member is a

6

Class T-F member, and had such contributions been credited with

7

statutory interest during the period the contributions would

8

have been made and during all periods of subsequent school and

9

State service up to the date of purchase.

10

* * *

11

(c)  Approved leave of absence other than sabbatical leave

12

and activated military service leave.--The contributions to be

13

paid by an active member for credit for an approved leave of

14

absence, other than sabbatical leave and activated military

15

service leave, shall be sufficient to transfer his membership to

16

Class T-C or to Class T-D if the member is a Class T-D member or

17

to Class T-E if the member is a Class T-E member or to Class T-F

18

if the member is a Class T-F member and further to provide an

19

annuity as a Class T-C member or Class T-D member if the member

20

is a Class T-D member or Class T-E if the member is a Class T-E

21

member or to Class T-F if the member is a Class T-F member for 

22

such additional credited service. Such amount shall be the sum

23

of the amount required in accordance with the provisions of

24

subsection (b) and an amount determined as the sum of the

25

member's basic contribution rate and the normal contribution

26

rate as provided in section 8328 (relating to actuarial cost

27

method) during such period multiplied by the compensation which

28

was received or which would have been received during such

29

period and with statutory interest during all periods of

30

subsequent school and State service up to the date of purchase.

- 9 -

 


1

(c.1)  Activated military service leave.--The contributions

2

to be paid by an active member for credit for all activated

3

military service leave as if he had been in regular attendance

4

in the duties for which he is employed shall be sufficient to

5

provide an amount equal to the accumulated deductions which

6

would have been standing to the credit of the member for such

7

service had regular member contributions been made with full

8

coverage at the rate of contribution necessary to be credited as

9

Class T-C service or Class T-D service if the member is a Class

10

T-D member or Class T-E service if the member is a Class T-E

11

member or Class T-F if the member is a Class T-F member and had

12

such contributions been credited with statutory interest during

13

the period the contributions would have been made and during all

14

periods of subsequent State and school service up to the date of

15

purchase. In the case of activated military service leave

16

beginning after the date of enactment of this subsection,

17

contributions due from the member shall be made as if he is in

18

regular attendance in the duties for which he is employed.

19

* * *

20

§ 8324.  Contributions for purchase of credit for creditable

21

nonschool service.

22

(a)  Source of contributions.--The total contributions to

23

purchase credit as a member of Class T-C, Class T-E or Class T-F 

24

for creditable nonschool service of an active member or an

25

eligible State employee shall be paid either by the member, the

26

member's previous employer, the Commonwealth, or a combination

27

thereof, as provided by law.

28

(b)  Nonintervening military service.--The amount due for the

29

purchase of credit for military service other than intervening

30

military service shall be determined by applying the member's

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1

basic contribution rate plus the normal contribution rate as

2

provided in section 8328 (relating to actuarial cost method) at

3

the time of entry of the member into school service subsequent

4

to such military service to one-third of his total compensation

5

received during the first three years of such subsequent

6

credited school service and multiplying the product by the

7

number of years and fractional part of a year of creditable

8

nonintervening military service being purchased together with

9

statutory interest during all periods of subsequent school and

10

State service to date of purchase. Upon certification of the

11

amount due, payment may be made in a lump sum within 90 days or

12

in the case of an active member or an eligible State employee

13

who is an active member of the State Employees' Retirement

14

System it may be amortized with statutory interest through

15

salary deductions in amounts agreed upon by the member and the

16

board. The salary deduction amortization plans agreed to by

17

members and the board may include a deferral of payment amounts

18

and statutory interest until the termination of school service

19

or State service as the board in its sole discretion decides to

20

allow. The board may limit salary deduction amortization plans

21

to such terms as the board in its sole discretion determines. In

22

the case of an eligible State employee who is an active member

23

of the State Employees' Retirement System, the agreed upon

24

salary deductions shall be remitted to the State Employees'

25

Retirement Board, which shall certify and transfer to the board

26

the amounts paid. Application may be filed for all such military

27

service credit upon completion of three years of subsequent

28

credited school service and shall be credited as Class T-C

29

service. In the event that a Class T-E member makes a purchase

30

of credit for such military service, then such service shall be

- 11 -

 


1

credited as Class T-E service. In the event that a Class T-F

2

member makes a purchase of credit for such military service,

3

then such service shall be credited as Class T-F service.

4

* * *

5

(d)  Other creditable nonschool service.--Contributions on

6

account of Class T-C, Class T-E or Class T-F credit for

7

creditable nonschool service other than military service shall

8

be determined by applying the member's basic contribution rate

9

plus the normal contribution rate as provided in section 8328 at

10

the time of the member's entry into school service subsequent to

11

such creditable nonschool service to his total compensation

12

received during the first year of subsequent credited school

13

service and multiplying the product by the number of years and

14

fractional part of a year of creditable nonschool service being

15

purchased together with statutory interest during all periods of

16

subsequent school or State service to the date of purchase,

17

except that in the case of purchase of credit for creditable

18

nonschool service as set forth in section 8304(b)(5) (relating

19

to creditable nonschool service) the member shall pay only the

20

employee's share unless otherwise provided by law. Upon

21

certification of the amount due, payment may be made in a lump

22

sum within 90 days or in the case of an active member or an

23

eligible State employee who is an active member of the State

24

Employees' Retirement System it may be amortized with statutory

25

interest through salary deductions in amounts agreed upon by the

26

member and the board. The salary deduction amortization plans

27

agreed to by the members and the board may include a deferral of

28

payment amounts and statutory interest until the termination of

29

school service or State service as the board in its sole

30

discretion decides to allow. The board may limit salary

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1

deduction amortization plans to such terms as the board in its

2

sole discretion determines. In the case of an eligible State

3

employee who is an active member of the State Employees'

4

Retirement System, the agreed upon salary deductions shall be

5

remitted to the State Employees' Retirement Board, which shall

6

certify and transfer to the board the amounts paid.

7

(e)  Creditable work experience.--Contributions on account of

8

Class T-C, Class T-E or Class T-F credit for creditable work

9

experience pursuant to section 8304(b)(6) shall be the present

10

value of the full actuarial cost of the increase in the

11

projected superannuation annuity caused by the additional

12

service credited on account of the purchase of creditable work

13

experience. The amount paid for the purchase of credit for

14

creditable work experience shall not be payable as a lump sum

15

under section 8345(a)(4)(iii) (relating to member's options).

16

Any individual eligible to receive an annuity, excluding an

17

annuity received under the Federal Social Security Act (42

18

U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), in another pension system, other than a

19

military pension system, shall not be eligible to purchase this

20

service.

21

(f)  Creditable maternity leave.--Contributions on account of

22

Class T-C, Class T-E or Class T-F credit for creditable

23

maternity leave pursuant to section 8304(b)(7) shall be

24

determined by applying the member's basic contribution rate plus

25

the normal contribution rate as provided in section 8328 at the

26

time of the member's return to school service to the total

27

compensation received during the first year of subsequent school

28

service and multiplying the product by the number of years and

29

fractional part of a year of creditable service being purchased,

30

together with statutory interest during all periods of

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1

subsequent school or State service to the date of purchase. The

2

amount paid for the purchase of credit for creditable maternity

3

leave shall not be eligible for withdrawal as a lump sum under

4

section 8345(a)(4)(iii).

5

§ 8326.  Contributions by the Commonwealth.

6

(a)  Contributions on behalf of active members.--The

7

Commonwealth shall make contributions into the fund on behalf of

8

all active members, including members on activated military

9

service leave, in an amount equal to one-half the amount

10

certified by the board as necessary to provide, together with

11

the members' contributions, annuity reserves on account of

12

prospective annuities as provided in this part in accordance

13

with section 8328[(a), (b), (c) and (e)] (relating to actuarial

14

cost method). In case a school employee has elected membership

15

in a retirement program approved by the employer, the

16

Commonwealth shall contribute to such program on account of his

17

membership an amount no greater than the amount it would have

18

contributed had the employee been a member of the Public School

19

Employees' Retirement System.

20

* * *

21

§ 8327.  Payments by employers.

22

(a)  General rule.--Each employer, including the Commonwealth

23

as employer of employees of the Department of Education, State-

24

owned colleges and universities, Thaddeus Stevens [State School] 

25

College of Technology, [Pennsylvania State Oral] Western

26

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Scotland School for Veterans'

27

Children, and the Pennsylvania State University, shall make

28

payments to the fund each quarter in an amount equal to one-half

29

the sum of the percentages, as determined under section 8328

30

(relating to actuarial cost method), applied to the total

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1

compensation during the pay periods in the preceding quarter of

2

all its employees who were members of the system during such

3

period, including members on activated military service leave.

4

In the event a member on activated military service leave does

5

not return to service for the necessary time or receives an

6

undesirable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharge or does not

7

elect to receive credit for activated military service under

8

section 8302(b.1)(3) (relating to credited school service), the

9

contributions made by the employer on behalf of such member

10

shall be returned with valuation interest upon application by

11

the employer.

12

* * *

13

(c)  Payments by employers after June 30, 1995.--After June

14

30, 1995, each employer, including the Commonwealth as employer

15

of employees of the Department of Education, State-owned

16

colleges and universities, Thaddeus Stevens [State School]

17

College of Technology, [Pennsylvania State Oral] Western

18

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Scotland School for Veterans'

19

Children and The Pennsylvania State University, shall make

20

payments to the fund each quarter in an amount computed in the

21

following manner:

22

(1)  For an employer that is a school entity, the amount

23

shall be the sum of the percentages as determined under

24

section 8328 applied to the total compensation during the pay

25

periods in the preceding quarter of all employees who were

26

active members of the system during such period, including

27

members on activated military service leave. In the event a

28

member on activated military service leave does not return to

29

service for the necessary time or receives an undesirable,

30

bad conduct or dishonorable discharge or does not elect to

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1

receive credit for activated military service under section

2

8302(b.1)(3), the contribution made by the employer on behalf

3

of such member shall be returned with valuation interest upon

4

application by the employer.

5

(2)  For an employer that is not a school entity, the

6

amount computed under subsection (a).

7

(3)  For any employer, whether or not a school entity, in

8

computing the amount of payment due each quarter, there shall

9

be excluded from the total compensation referred to in this

10

subsection and subsection (a) any amount of compensation of a

11

noneligible member on the basis of which member contributions

12

have not been made by reason of the limitation under IRC §

13

401(a)(17). Any amount of contribution to the fund paid by

14

the employer on behalf of a noneligible member on the basis

15

of compensation which was subject to exclusion from total

16

compensation in accordance with the provisions of this

17

paragraph shall, upon the board's determination or upon

18

application by the employer, be returned to the employer with

19

valuation interest.

20

§ 8328.  Actuarial cost method.

21

(a)  Employer contribution rate [on behalf of active

22

members].--The amount of the total employer contributions [on

23

behalf of all active members] shall be computed by the actuary

24

as a percentage of the total compensation of all active members

25

during the period for which the amount is determined and shall

26

be so certified by the board. The total employer contribution

27

rate shall be the sum of the final contribution rate as computed

28

in subsection (h) plus the premium assistance contribution rate

29

as computed in subsection (f). The [total] actuarially required 

30

contribution rate [on behalf of all active members] shall

- 16 -

 


1

consist of the normal contribution rate as defined in subsection

2

(b), the accrued liability contribution rate as defined in

3

subsection (c) and the supplemental annuity contribution rate as

4

defined in subsection (d). Beginning July 1, 2004, the [total] 

5

actuarially required contribution rate shall be modified by the

6

experience adjustment factors as calculated in subsection (e)

7

[but in no case shall it be less than 4% plus the premium

8

assistance contribution rate].

9

(b)  Normal contribution rate.--The normal contribution rate

10

shall be determined after each actuarial valuation. [Until all

11

accrued liability contributions have been completed, the] The 

12

normal contribution rate shall be determined, on the basis of

13

the actuarial cost method, an annual interest rate and such

14

mortality and other tables as shall be adopted by the board in

15

accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles, as a

16

level percentage of the compensation of the average new active

17

member, which percentage, if contributed on the basis of his

18

prospective compensation through the entire period of active

19

school service, would be sufficient to fund the liability for

20

any prospective benefit payable to him, in excess of that

21

portion funded by his prospective member contributions[, except

22

for the supplemental benefits provided in sections 8348

23

(relating to supplemental annuities), 8348.1 (relating to

24

additional supplemental annuities), 8348.2 (relating to further

25

additional supplemental annuities), 8348.3 (relating to

26

supplemental annuities commencing 1994), 8348.4 (relating to

27

special supplemental postretirement adjustment), 8348.5

28

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 1998), 8348.6

29

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2002) and 8348.7

30

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2003)].

- 17 -

 


1

(c)  Accrued liability contribution rate.--

2

(1)  For the fiscal [year] years beginning July 1, 2002,

3

and ending June 30, 2011, the accrued liability contribution

4

rate shall be computed as the rate of total compensation of

5

all active members which shall be certified by the actuary as

6

sufficient to fund over a period of ten years from July 1,

7

2002, the present value of the liabilities for all

8

prospective benefits of active members, except for the

9

supplemental benefits provided in sections 8348 (relating to

10

supplemental annuities), 8348.1 (relating to additional

11

supplemental annuities), 8348.2 (relating to further

12

additional supplemental annuities), 8348.3 (relating to

13

supplemental annuities commencing 1994), 8348.4 (relating to

14

special supplemental postretirement adjustment), 8348.5

15

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 1998), 8348.6

16

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2002) and

17

8348.7 (relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2003),

18

in excess of the total assets in the fund (calculated by

19

recognizing the actuarially expected investment return

20

immediately and recognizing the difference between the actual

21

investment return and the actuarially expected investment

22

return over a five-year period), excluding the balance in the

23

annuity reserve account, and of the present value of normal

24

contributions and of member contributions payable with

25

respect to all active members on July 1, 2002, during the

26

remainder of their active service.

27

(2)  [Thereafter] For the fiscal years beginning July 1,

28

2003, and ending June 30, 2011, the amount of each annual

29

accrued liability contribution shall be equal to the amount

30

of such contribution for the fiscal year, beginning July 1,

- 18 -

 


1

2002, except that, if the accrued liability is increased by

2

legislation enacted subsequent to June 30, 2002, but before

3

July 1, 2003, such additional liability shall be funded over

4

a period of ten years from the first day of July, coincident

5

with or next following the effective date of the increase.

6

The amount of each annual accrued liability contribution for

7

such additional legislative liabilities shall be equal to the

8

amount of such contribution for the first annual payment.

9

(3)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

10

beginning July 1, 2004, and ending June 30, 2011, the

11

outstanding balance of the increase in accrued liability due

12

to the change in benefits enacted in 2001 and the outstanding

13

balance of the net actuarial loss incurred in fiscal year

14

2000-2001 shall be amortized in equal dollar annual

15

contributions over a period that ends 30 years after July 1,

16

2002, and the outstanding balance of the net actuarial loss

17

incurred in fiscal year 2001-2002 shall be amortized in equal

18

dollar annual contributions over a period that ends 30 years

19

after July 1, 2003. For fiscal years beginning on or after

20

July 1, 2004, if the accrued liability is increased by

21

legislation enacted subsequent to June 30, 2003, such

22

additional liability shall be funded in equal dollar annual

23

contributions over a period of ten years from the first day

24

of July coincident with or next following the effective date

25

of the increase.

26

(4)  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011, the

27

accrued liability contribution rate shall be computed as the

28

rate of total compensation of all active members which shall

29

be certified by the actuary as sufficient to fund as a level

30

percentage of compensation over a period of 30 years from

- 19 -

 


1

July 1, 2011, the present value of the liabilities for all

2

prospective benefits calculated as of June 30, 2010,

3

including the supplemental benefits as provided in sections

4

8348, 8348.1, 8348.2, 8348.3, 8348.4, 8348.5, 8348.6 and

5

8348.7, in excess of the actuarially calculated assets in the

6

fund (calculated recognizing all realized and unrealized

7

investment gains and losses each year in level annual

8

installments over a ten-year period). In the event that the

9

accrued liability is increased by legislation enacted

10

subsequent to June 30, 2010, such additional liability shall

11

be funded as a level percentage of compensation over a period

12

of ten years from the July 1 second succeeding the date such

13

legislation is enacted.

14

(d)  Supplemental annuity contribution rate.--[Contributions]

15

(1)  For the period of July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2011,

16

contributions from the Commonwealth and other employers

17

required to provide for the payment of the supplemental

18

annuities provided for in sections 8348, 8348.1, 8348.2,

19

8348.4 and 8348.5 shall be paid over a period of ten years

20

from July 1, 2002. The funding for the supplemental annuities

21

commencing 2002 provided for in section 8348.6 shall be as

22

provided in section 8348.6(f). The funding for the

23

supplemental annuities commencing 2003 provided for in

24

section 8348.7 shall be as provided in section 8348.7(f). The

25

amount of each annual supplemental annuities contribution

26

shall be equal to the amount of such contribution for the

27

fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002. [In the event that

28

supplemental annuities are increased by legislation enacted

29

subsequent to June 30, 2002, the additional liability for the

30

increased benefits to be amortized shall be funded in equal

- 20 -

 


1

dollar annual installments over a period of ten years.]

2

(2)  For fiscal years beginning July 1, 2011,

3

contributions from the Commonwealth and other employers whose

4

employees are members of the system required to provide for

5

the payment of supplemental annuities as provided in sections

6

8348, 8348.1, 8348.2, 8348.3, 8348.4, 8348.5, 8348.6 and

7

8348.7 shall be paid as part of the accrued liability

8

contribution rate as provided for in subsection (c)(4), and

9

there shall not be a separate supplemental annuity

10

contribution rate attributable to those supplemental

11

annuities. In the event that supplemental annuities are

12

increased by legislation enacted subsequent to June 30, 2010,

13

the additional liability for the increase in benefits shall

14

be funded as a level percentage of compensation over a period

15

of ten years from the July 1 second succeeding the date such

16

legislation is enacted.

17

(e)  Experience adjustment factor.--

18

(1)  For each year after the establishment of the accrued

19

liability contribution rate for the fiscal year beginning

20

July 1, [2002] 2011, any increase or decrease in the unfunded

21

accrued liability, excluding the gains or losses on the

22

assets of the health insurance account, due to actual

23

experience differing from assumed experience, changes in

24

actuarial assumptions, changes in contributions caused by the

25

final contribution rate being different from the actuarially

26

required contribution rate or changes in the terms and

27

conditions of the benefits provided by the system by

28

judicial, administrative or other processes other than

29

legislation, including, but not limited to, reinterpretation

30

of the provisions of this part, shall be amortized [in equal

- 21 -

 


1

dollar annual contributions] as a level percentage of

2

compensation over a period of [ten] 30 years beginning with

3

the July 1 second succeeding the actuarial valuation

4

determining said increases or decreases.

5

(2)  [Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1),

6

for each year after the establishment of the accrued

7

liability contribution rate for the fiscal year beginning

8

July 1, 2003, any increase or decrease in the unfunded

9

accrued liability, excluding the gains or losses on the

10

assets of the health insurance account, due to actual

11

experience differing from assumed experience, changes in

12

actuarial assumptions, changes in the terms and conditions of

13

the benefits provided by the system by judicial,

14

administrative or other processes other than legislation,

15

including, but not limited to, reinterpretation of the

16

provisions of this part, shall be amortized in equal dollar

17

annual contributions over a period of 30 years beginning with

18

the July 1 second succeeding the actuarial valuation

19

determining said increases and decreases] (Reserved).

20

(f)  Premium assistance contribution rate.--For each fiscal

21

year beginning with July 1, 1991, the total contribution rate as

22

calculated according to this section shall be increased annually

23

in the full amount certified by the board as necessary to fund

24

the premium assistance program in accordance with section 8509

25

(relating to health insurance premium assistance program),

26

notwithstanding any other provisions of this section.

27

(g)  Temporary application of collared contribution rate.--

28

(1)  The collared contribution rate for each year shall

29

be determined by comparing the actuarially required

30

contribution rate, calculated without regard for the costs

- 22 -

 


1

added by legislation, to the prior year's final contribution

2

rate.

3

(2)  If, for any of the fiscal years beginning July 1,

4

2011, July 1, 2012, and on or after July 1, 2013, the

5

actuarially required contribution rate, calculated without

6

regard for the costs added by legislation, is more than 3%,

7

3.5% and 4.5%, respectively, of the total compensation of all

8

active members greater than the prior year's final

9

contribution rate, then the collared contribution rate shall

10

be applied and be equal to the prior year's final

11

contribution rate increased by 3%, 3.5% and 4.5%,

12

respectively, of total compensation of all active members.

13

Otherwise, and for all other fiscal years, the collared

14

contribution rate shall not be applicable. In no case shall

15

the collared contribution rate be less than 4% of the total

16

compensation of all active members.

17

(h)  Final contribution rate.--

18

(1)  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, the

19

final contribution rate shall be 5% of the total compensation

20

of all active members. For each subsequent fiscal year for

21

which the collared contribution rate is applicable, the final

22

contribution rate shall be the collared contribution rate as

23

calculated in subsection (g), plus the costs added by

24

legislation.

25

(2)  For all other fiscal years, the final contribution

26

rate shall be the actuarially required contribution rate,

27

provided that the final contribution rate shall not be less

28

than the normal contribution rate as provided in subsection

29

(b).

30

(i)  Definitions.--As used in this section, the following

- 23 -

 


1

words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this

2

subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

3

"Actuarially required contribution rate."  The sum of the

4

following:

5

(1)  the normal contribution rate as calculated in

6

subsection (b);

7

(2)  the accrued liability contribution rate as

8

calculated in subsection (c);

9

(3)  the supplemental annuity contribution rate as

10

calculated in subsection (d);

11

(4)  the experience adjustment factor as calculated in

12

subsection (e); and

13

(5)  any costs added by legislation enacted prior to the

14

last actuarial valuation.

15

"Costs added by legislation."  The sum, if positive, of all

16

changes in the actuarially required contribution rate resulting

17

from legislation enacted in the year since the last actuarial

18

valuation and not included in the determination of the prior

19

year's final contribution rate, computed as the rate of total

20

compensation of all active members certified by the actuary as

21

sufficient to make the employer normal contributions and

22

sufficient to amortize legislatively created changes in the

23

unfunded actuarial liability as a level percentage of

24

compensation over a period of ten years from the July 1 second

25

succeeding the date of enactment.

26

§ 8342.  Maximum single life annuity.

27

(a)  General rule.--Upon termination of service, any full

28

coverage member who is eligible to receive an annuity pursuant

29

to the provisions of section 8307(a) or (b) (relating to

30

eligibility for annuities) and has made an application in

- 24 -

 


1

accordance with the provisions of section 8507(f) (relating to

2

rights and duties of school employees and members) shall be

3

entitled to receive a maximum single life annuity attributable

4

to his credited service and equal to the sum of the following

5

single life annuities beginning at the effective date of

6

retirement and, in case the member on the effective date of

7

retirement is under superannuation age, multiplied by a

8

reduction factor calculated to provide benefits actuarially

9

equivalent to an annuity starting at superannuation age:

10

Provided however, That on or after July 1, 1976, in the case of

11

any Class T-C, T-D, T-E or T-F member who has attained age 55

12

and has 25 or more eligibility points such sum of single life

13

annuities shall be reduced by a percentage determined by

14

multiplying the number of months, including a fraction of a

15

month as a full month, by which the effective date of retirement

16

precedes superannuation age by 1/4%:

17

(1)  A standard single life annuity multiplied by the

18

class of service multiplier and calculated on the basis of

19

the number of years of credited school service other than

20

concurrent service.

21

(2)  A standard single life annuity multiplied by the

22

class of service multiplier and calculated on the basis of

23

the number of years of concurrent service and multiplied by

24

the ratio of total compensation received in the school system

25

during the period of concurrent service to the total

26

compensation received during such period.

27

(3)  A supplemental annuity such that the total annuity

28

prior to any optional modification or any reduction due to

29

retirement prior to superannuation age shall be at least $100

30

for each full year of credited service.

- 25 -

 


1

* * *

2

§ 8344.  Disability annuities.

3

* * *

4

(d)  Withdrawal of accumulated deductions.--Upon termination

5

of disability annuity payments in excess of an annuity

6

calculated in accordance with section 8342, a disability

7

annuitant who:

8

(1)  is a Class T-C or Class T-D member; or

9

(2)  is a Class T-E or Class T-F member with less than

10

ten eligibility points

11

and who does not return to school service may file an

12

application with the board for an amount equal to the

13

accumulated deductions standing to his credit at the effective

14

date of disability less the total payments received on account

15

of his member's annuity.

16

* * *

17

§ 8345.  Member's options.

18

(a)  General rule.--Any Class T-C or Class T-D member who is

19

a vestee with five or more eligibility points, any Class T-E or

20

Class T-F member who is a vestee with ten or more eligibility

21

points, or any other eligible member upon termination of school

22

service who has not withdrawn his accumulated deductions as

23

provided in section 8341 (relating to return of accumulated

24

deductions) may apply for and elect to receive either a maximum

25

single life annuity, as calculated in accordance with the

26

provisions of section 8342 (relating to maximum single life

27

annuity), or a reduced annuity certified by the actuary to be

28

actuarially equivalent to the maximum single life annuity and in

29

accordance with one of the following options, except that no

30

member shall elect an annuity payable to one or more survivor

- 26 -

 


1

annuitants other than his spouse or alternate payee of such a

2

magnitude that the present value of the annuity payable to him

3

for life plus any lump sum payment he may have elected to

4

receive is less than 50% of the present value of his maximum

5

single life annuity.

6

(1)  Option 1.--A life annuity to the member with a

7

guaranteed total payment equal to the present value of the

8

maximum single life annuity on the effective date of

9

retirement with the provision that, if, at his death, he has

10

received less than such present value, the unpaid balance

11

shall be payable to his beneficiary.

12

(2)  Option 2.--A joint and survivor annuity payable

13

during the lifetime of the member with the full amount of

14

such annuity payable thereafter to his survivor annuitant, if

15

living at his death.

16

(3)  Option 3.--A joint and fifty percent (50%) survivor

17

annuity payable during the lifetime of the member with one-

18

half of such annuity payable thereafter to his survivor

19

annuitant, if living at his death.

20

(4)  Option 4.--Some other benefit which shall be

21

certified by the actuary to be actuarially equivalent to the

22

maximum single life annuity, subject to the following

23

restrictions:

24

(i)  Any annuity shall be payable without reduction

25

during the lifetime of the member.

26

(ii)  The sum of all annuities payable to the

27

designated survivor annuitants shall not be greater than

28

one and one-half times the annuity payable to the member.

29

(iii)  A portion of the benefit may be payable as a

30

lump sum, except that such lump sum payment shall not

- 27 -

 


1

exceed an amount equal to the accumulated deductions

2

standing to the credit of the member. The balance of the

3

present value of the maximum single life annuity adjusted

4

in accordance with section 8342(b) shall be paid in the

5

form of an annuity with a guaranteed total payment, a

6

single life annuity, or a joint and survivor annuity or

7

any combination thereof but subject to the restrictions

8

of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph. This

9

subparagraph shall not apply to a Class T-E or Class T-F

10

member.

11

* * *

12

§ 8348.1.  Additional supplemental annuities.

13

* * *

14

(f)  Funding.--The actuary shall annually certify the amount

15

of Commonwealth appropriations for the next fiscal year needed

16

to fund, over a period of ten years from July 1, 2002, the

17

additional monthly supplemental annuity provided for in this

18

section[. The board shall submit the actuary's certification to

19

the Secretary of the Budget on or before November 1 of each

20

year. If, in any year after 1984, the amount certified is

21

disapproved under section 610 of the act of April 9, 1929

22

(P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, as

23

insufficient to meet the funding requirements of this subsection

24

or is not appropriated on or before July 1, the additional

25

supplemental annuity provided for in this section shall be

26

suspended until such time as an amount certified and approved as

27

sufficient is appropriated], which amounts shall be paid during

28

the period beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2011. For

29

fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2011, the additional

30

liability provided in this section shall be funded as part of

- 28 -

 


1

the actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 8328

2

(relating to actuarial cost method).

3

* * *

4

§ 8348.2.  Further additional supplemental annuities.

5

* * *

6

(f)  Funding.--The actuary shall annually estimate the amount

7

of Commonwealth appropriations for the next fiscal year needed

8

to fund, over a period of ten years from July 1, 2002, the

9

additional monthly supplemental annuity provided for in this

10

section[. The board shall submit the actuary's estimation to the

11

Secretary of the Budget on or before November 1 of each year.

12

If, in any year after 1988, the amount estimated is disapproved

13

under section 610 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175),

14

known as The Administrative Code of 1929, as insufficient to

15

meet the funding requirements of this subsection or is not

16

appropriated on or before July 1, the additional supplemental

17

annuity provided for in this section shall be suspended until

18

such time as an amount certified and approved as sufficient is

19

appropriated], which amounts shall be paid during the period

20

beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2011. For fiscal

21

years beginning on or after July 1, 2011, the additional

22

liability provided in this section shall be funded as part of

23

the actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 8328

24

(relating to actuarial cost method).

25

* * *

26

§ 8348.3.  Supplemental annuities commencing 1994.

27

* * *

28

(f)  Funding.--[The]

29

(1)  For the period beginning July 1, 2002, and ending

30

June 30, 2011, the additional liability for the increase in

- 29 -

 


1

benefits provided in this section shall be funded in equal

2

dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

3

beginning July 1, 2002.

4

(2)  For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2011,

5

the additional liability provided in this section shall be

6

funded as part of the actuarial accrued liability as provided

7

in section 8328 (relating to actuarial cost method).

8

* * *

9

§ 8348.5.  Supplemental annuities commencing 1998.

10

* * *

11

(f)  Funding.--[The]

12

(1)  For the period beginning July 1, 2002, and ending

13

June 30, 2011, the additional liability for the increase in

14

benefits provided in this section shall be funded in equal

15

dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

16

beginning July 1, 2002.

17

(2)  For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2011,

18

the additional liability provided in this section shall be

19

funded as part of the actuarial accrued liability as provided

20

in section 8328 (relating to actuarial cost method).

21

(3)  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 212 of the

22

act of April 22, 1998 (P.L.1341, No.6A), known as the General

23

Appropriation Act of 1998, regarding payment for cost-of-

24

living increases for annuitants, payments for cost-of-living

25

increases for annuitants shall be made under section 8535

26

(relating to payments to school entities by Commonwealth).

27

* * *

28

§ 8348.6.  Supplemental annuities commencing 2002.

29

* * *

30

(f)  Funding.--[The]

- 30 -

 


1

(1)  For the period beginning July 1, 2002, and ending

2

June 30, 2011, the additional liability for the increase in

3

benefits provided in this section shall be funded in equal

4

dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

5

beginning July 1, 2003.

6

(2)  For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2011,

7

the additional liability provided in this section shall be

8

funded as part of the actuarial accrued liability as provided

9

in section 8328 (relating to actuarial cost method).

10

* * *

11

§ 8348.7.  Supplemental annuities commencing 2003.

12

* * *

13

(f)  Funding.--[The]

14

(1)  For the period beginning July 1, 2002, and ending

15

June 30, 2011, the additional liability for the increase in

16

benefits provided in this section shall be funded in equal

17

dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

18

beginning July 1, 2004.

19

(2)  For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2011,

20

the additional liability provided in this section shall be

21

funded as part of the actuarial accrued liability as provided

22

in section 8328 (relating to actuarial cost method).

23

* * *

24

§ 8502.  Administrative duties of board.

25

* * *

26

(k)  Certification of employer contributions.--The board

27

shall, each year in addition to the itemized budget required

28

under section 8330 (relating to appropriations by the

29

Commonwealth), certify to the employers and the Commonwealth the

30

employer contribution rate expressed as a percentage of members'

- 31 -

 


1

payroll necessary for the funding of prospective annuities for

2

active members and the annuities of annuitants, and certify the

3

rates and amounts of the normal contributions as determined

4

pursuant to section 8328(b) (relating to actuarial cost method),

5

accrued liability contributions as determined pursuant to

6

section 8328(c), supplemental annuities contribution rate as

7

determined pursuant to section 8328(d) [and], the experience

8

adjustment factor as determined pursuant to section 8328(e)

9

[and], premium assistance contributions as determined pursuant

10

to section 8328(f), the costs added by legislation as determined

11

pursuant to section 8328(i), the actuarial required contribution

12

rate as determined pursuant to section 8328(i), the collared

13

contribution rate as determined pursuant to section 8328(g) and

14

the final contribution rate as determined pursuant to section

15

8328(h), which shall be paid to the fund and credited to the

16

appropriate accounts. These certifications shall be regarded as

17

final and not subject to modification by the [Budget Secretary] 

18

Secretary of the Budget.

19

* * *

20

Section 6.  Section 8505 of Title 24 is amended by adding a

21

subsection to read:

22

§ 8505.  Duties of board regarding applications and elections of

23

members.

24

* * *

25

(l)  Notification of Class T-F membership.--The board shall

26

inform any eligible school employee of the right to elect Class

27

T-F membership.

28

Section 7.  Sections 8507(f) and (g) and 8535(3) of Title 24

29

are amended to read:

30

§ 8507.  Rights and duties of school employees and members.

- 32 -

 


1

* * *

2

(f)  Termination of service.--Each member who terminates

3

school service and who is not then a disability annuitant shall

4

execute on or before the date of termination of service a

5

written application, duly attested by the member or his legally

6

constituted representative, electing to do one of the following:

7

(1)  Withdraw his accumulated deductions.

8

(2)  Vest his retirement rights and if he is a joint

9

coverage member, and so desires, elect to become a full

10

coverage member and agree to pay within 30 days of the date

11

of termination of service the lump sum required.

12

(3)  Receive an immediate annuity, if eligible, and may,

13

if he is a joint coverage member, elect to become a full

14

coverage member and agree to pay within 30 days of date of

15

termination of service the lump sum required.

16

(g)  Vesting of retirement rights.--If a member elects to

17

vest his retirement rights, he shall nominate a beneficiary by

18

written designation filed with the board and he may anytime

19

thereafter withdraw the accumulated deductions standing to his

20

credit or[, if he has five or more eligibility points,] apply

21

for an annuity if eligible as provided in section 8307(a) or (b)

22

(relating to eligibility for annuitants).

23

* * *

24

§ 8535.  Payments to school entities by Commonwealth.

25

For each school year beginning with the 1995-1996 school

26

year, each school entity shall be paid by the Commonwealth for

27

contributions based upon school service of active members of the

28

system after June 30, 1995, as follows:

29

* * *

30

(3)  School entities shall have up to five days after

- 33 -

 


1

receipt of the Commonwealth's portion of the employer's

2

liability to make payment to the Public School Employees'

3

Retirement Fund. School entities are expected to make the

4

full payment to the Public School Employees' Retirement Fund

5

in accordance with section 8327 (relating to payments by

6

employers) in the event the receipt of the Commonwealth's

7

portion of the employer's liability is delayed because of

8

delinquent salary reporting or other conduct by the school

9

entities.

10

Section 7.1.  The definitions of "class of service

11

multiplier," "final average salary," "superannuation age" and

12

"vestee" in section 5102 of Title 71 are amended to read:

13

§ 5102.  Definitions.

14

The following words and phrases as used in this part, unless

15

a different meaning is plainly required by the context, shall

16

have the following meanings:

17

* * *

18

"Class of service multiplier."

19

Class of Service

  

Multiplier

  

20

A

  

1

  

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

AA

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

for all purposes  except calculating regular member contributions on compensation paid prior to January 1, 2002

   1.25

  

29

30

AA

  

for purposes of

calculating

  

  

  

- 34 -

 


1

2

3

4

5

  

  

  

  

  

regular member

contributions   on compensation paid prior to January 1, 2002

  

  

  

  

1

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

A-3

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

for all purposes except the calculation of regular member contributions and contributions for creditable nonstate service

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

1

  

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

A-3

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

for purposes of calculating regular member contributions and contributions for creditable nonstate service

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   1.25

  

23

24

25

26

27

A-4

  

  

  

  

for all purposes except the calculation of regular member contributions

  

  

  

  

   1.25

  

28

29

30

A-4

  

  

for purposes of

calculating regular member

  

  

  

  

- 35 -

 


1

  

contributions

   1.86

2

B

  

    .625

  

3

C

  

1

  

4

D

  

   1.25

  

5

6

D-1

  

prior to January 1, 1973

  

   1.875

  

7

8

9

D-1

  

  

on and subsequent to January 1, 1973

  

  

   1.731

  

10

11

D-2

  

prior to January 1, 1973

  

 2.5

  

12

13

14

D-2

  

  

on and subsequent to   January 1, 1973

  

  

   1.731

  

15

16

D-3

  

prior to January 1, 1973

  

  3.75

  

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

D-3

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

on and   subsequent to   January 1, 1973

  

  

   1.731

except prior to December 1, 1974 as applied to any additional legislative   compensation as an officer of the General Assembly

26

  

  

  3.75

  

27

28

29

30

D-4

  

  

  

for all purposes

except calculating regular member

  

  

  

  

  

- 36 -

 


1

2

3

4

  

  

  

  

contributions

on compensation paid prior to July 1, 2001

  

  

  

  1.5

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

D-4

  

  

  

  

  

  

for purposes of   calculating regular member   contributions on compensation   paid prior to  July 1, 2001

  

  

  

  

  

  

1

  

12

13

14

15

E, E-1

  

  

  

prior to January 1, 1973

  

2

for each of the first ten years of judicial service, and

16

17

18

19

  

  

  

  

  

  1.5

for each subsequent year  of judicial service

20

21

22

23

E, E-1

  

  

  

on and  subsequent to   January 1, 1973

  

  

   1.50

for each of the first ten years of judicial  service and

24

25

E-2

  

prior to September 1 1973

  

  1.5

  

26

27

28

29

E-2

  

  

  

on and subsequent to September 1, 1973

  

  

  

    1.125

  

30

G

  

    0.417

  

- 37 -

 


1

H

  

    0.500

  

2

I

  

    0.625

  

3

J

  

    0.714

  

4

K

  

    0.834

  

5

L

  

   1.000

  

6

M

  

   1.100

  

7

N

  

   1.250

  

8

9

10

11

T-C (Public

School

Employees'

Retirement Code)

  

1

  

12

13

14

15

T-E (Public 

School

Employees'

Retirement Code)

  

1

  

16

17

18

19

T-F (Public 

School

Employees'

Retirement Code)

  

1

  

20

* * * 

21

"Final average salary."  The highest average compensation

22

received as a member during any three nonoverlapping periods of

23

four consecutive calendar quarters during which the member was a

24

State employee, with the compensation for part-time service

25

being annualized on the basis of the fractional portion of the

26

year for which credit is received; except if the employee was

27

not a member for three nonoverlapping periods of four

28

consecutive calendar quarters, the total compensation received

29

as a member, annualized in the case of part-time service,

30

divided by the number of nonoverlapping periods of four

- 38 -

 


1

consecutive calendar quarters of membership; in the case of a

2

member with multiple service, the final average salary shall be

3

determined on the basis of the compensation received by him as a

4

State employee or as a school employee, or both; in the case of

5

a member with Class A-3 or Class A-4 service and service in one

6

or more other classes of service, the final average salary shall

7

be determined on the basis of the compensation received by him

8

in all classes of State service; and, in the case of a member

9

who first became a member on or after January 1, 1996, the final

10

average salary shall be determined as hereinabove provided but

11

subject to the application of the provisions of section

12

5506.1(a) (relating to annual compensation limit under IRC §

13

401(a)(17)).

14

* * *

15

"Superannuation age."  [Any] For classes of service other

16

than Class A-3 and Class A-4, any age upon accrual of 35

17

eligibility points or age 60, except for a member of the General

18

Assembly, an enforcement officer, a correction officer, a

19

psychiatric security aide, a Delaware River Port Authority

20

policeman or an officer of the Pennsylvania State Police, age

21

50, and, except for a member with Class G, Class H, Class I,

22

Class J, Class K, Class L, Class M or Class N service, age 55

23

upon accrual of 20 eligibility points. For Class A-3 and Class

24

A-4 service, any age upon accrual of 35 eligibility points or

25

age 65, or for park rangers or capitol police officers, age 55

26

with 20 years of service as a park ranger or capitol police

27

officer, except for a member of the General Assembly, an

28

enforcement officer, a correction officer, a psychiatric

29

security aide, a Delaware River Port Authority policeman or an

30

officer of the Pennsylvania State Police, age 55.

- 39 -

 


1

* * *

2

"Vestee."  A member with five or more eligibility points[,

3

or] in a class of service other than Class A-3 or Class A-4 or

4

Class T-E or Class T-F in the Public School Employees'

5

Retirement System, a member with Class G, Class H, Class I,

6

Class J, Class K, Class L, Class M or Class N service with five

7

or more eligibility points, or a member with Class A-3 or Class

8

A-4 service with ten or more eligibility points who has

9

terminated State service and has elected to leave his total

10

accumulated deductions in the fund and to defer receipt of an

11

annuity.

12

Section 7.2.  Sections 5302(e), 5303(b)(1) and 5304(a) of

13

Title 71 are amended to read:

14

§ 5302.  Credited State service.

15

* * *

16

(e)  Cancellation of credited service.--All credited service

17

shall be cancelled if a member withdraws his total accumulated

18

deductions except that a member with Class A-3 or Class A-4

19

service credit and one or more other classes of service credit

20

shall not have his service as a member of any classes of service

21

other than as a member of Class A-3 or Class A-4 cancelled when

22

the member receives a lump sum payment of accumulated deductions

23

resulting from Class A-3 or Class A-4 service pursuant to

24

section 5705.1 (relating to payment of accumulated deductions

25

resulting from Class A-3 and Class A-4 service).

26

§ 5303.  Retention and reinstatement of service credits.

27

* * *

28

(b)  Eligibility points for prospective credited service.--

29

(1)  Every active member of the system or a multiple

30

service member who is a school employee and a member of the

- 40 -

 


1

Public School Employees' Retirement System on or after the

2

effective date of this part shall receive eligibility points

3

in accordance with section 5307 for current State service,

4

previous State service, or creditable nonstate service upon

5

compliance with sections 5501 (relating to regular member

6

contributions for current service), 5504 (relating to member

7

contributions for the purchase of credit for previous State

8

service or to become a full coverage member), 5505 (relating

9

to contributions for the purchase of credit for creditable

10

nonstate service), 5505.1 (relating to additional member

11

contributions) or 5506 (relating to incomplete payments).

12

Subject to the limitations in sections 5306.1 (relating to

13

election to become a Class AA member) and 5306.2 (relating to

14

elections by members of the General Assembly), the class or

15

classes of service in which the member may be credited for

16

previous State service prior to the effective date of this

17

part shall be the class or classes in which he was or could

18

have at any time elected to be credited for such service,

19

except that a State employee who first becomes a member of

20

the system on or after January 1, 2011, or on or after

21

December 1, 2010, as a member of the General Assembly and:

22

(i)  is credited with Class A-3 service for such

23

membership, shall be credited only with Class A-3 service

24

for previous State service performed before January 1,

25

2011, that was not previously credited in the system; or

26

(ii)  is credited with Class A-4 service for such

27

membership, shall be credited only with Class A-3 service

28

for previous State service performed before January 1,

29

2011, that was not previously credited in the system. The

30

class of service in which a member shall be credited for

- 41 -

 


1

service subsequent to the effective date of this part

2

shall be determined in accordance with section 5306

3

(relating to classes of service).

4

* * *

5

§ 5304.  Creditable nonstate service.

6

(a)  Eligibility.--

7

(1)  An active member who first becomes an active member

8

before January 1, 2011, or before December 1, 2010, as a

9

member of the General Assembly, or a multiple service member

10

who first becomes an active member before January 1, 2011, or

11

before December 1, 2010, as a member of the General Assembly,

12

and who is a school employee and an active member of the

13

Public School Employees' Retirement System shall be eligible

14

for Class A service credit for creditable nonstate service as

15

set forth in subsections (b) and (c) except that intervening

16

military service shall be credited in the class of service

17

for which the member was eligible at the time of entering

18

into military service and for which he makes the required

19

contributions and except that a multiple service member who

20

is a school employee and an active member of the Public

21

School Employees' Retirement System shall not be eligible to

22

purchase service credit for creditable nonstate service set

23

forth in subsection (c)(5).

24

(2)  An active member who first becomes an active member

25

on or after January 1, 2011, or on or after December 1, 2010,

26

as a member of the General Assembly, or a multiple service

27

member who first becomes an active member on or after January

28

1, 2011, or on or after December 1, 2010, as a member of the

29

General Assembly, and who is a school employee and an active

30

member of the Public School Employees' Retirement System

- 42 -

 


1

shall be eligible for Class A-3 service credit for creditable

2

nonstate service as set forth in subsections (b) and (c)

3

except that intervening military service shall be credited in

4

the class of service for which the member was eligible at the

5

time of entering into military service and for which he makes

6

the required contributions and except that a multiple service

7

member who is a school employee and an active member of the

8

Public School Employees' Retirement System shall not be

9

eligible to purchase service credit for creditable nonstate

10

service set forth in subsection (c)(5).

11

* * *

12

Section 7.3.  Section 5306(a), (a.1)(1), (2), (5) and (6) and

13

(a.2) of Title 71 are amended and the section is amended by

14

adding a subsection to read:

15

§ 5306.  Classes of service.

16

(a)  Class A and Class A-3 membership.--

17

(1)  A State employee who is a member of Class A on the

18

effective date of this part or who first becomes a member of

19

the system subsequent to the effective date of this part and

20

before January 1, 2011, or before December 1, 2010, as a

21

member of the General Assembly, shall be classified as a

22

Class A member and receive credit for Class A service upon

23

payment of regular and additional member contributions for

24

Class A service, provided that the State employee does not

25

become a member of Class AA pursuant to subsection (a.1) or a

26

member of Class D-4 pursuant to subsection (a.2).

27

(2)  A State employee who first becomes a member of the

28

system on or after January 1, 2011, or on or after December

29

1, 2010, as a member of the General Assembly, shall be

30

classified as a Class A-3 member and receive credit for Class

- 43 -

 


1

A-3 service upon payment of regular member contributions for

2

Class A-3 service provided that the State employee does not

3

become a member of Class A-4 pursuant to subsection (a.3),

4

except that a member of the judiciary shall be classified as

5

a member of such other class of service for which the member

6

of the judiciary is eligible, shall elect, and make regular

7

member contributions.

8

(a.1)  Class AA membership.--

9

(1)  A person who becomes a State employee and an active

10

member of the system after June 30, 2001, and who first

11

became an active member before January 1, 2011, or before

12

December 1, 2010, as a member of the General Assembly, and

13

who is not a State police officer and not employed in a

14

position for which a class of service other than Class A is

15

credited or could be elected shall be classified as a Class

16

AA member and receive credit for Class AA State service upon

17

payment of regular member contributions for Class AA service

18

and, subject to the limitations contained in paragraph (7),

19

if previously a member of Class A or previously employed in a

20

position for which Class A service could have been earned,

21

shall have all Class A State service (other than State

22

service performed as a State police officer or for which a

23

class of service other than Class A was earned or could have

24

been elected) classified as Class AA service.

25

(2)  A person who is a State employee on June 30, 2001,

26

and July 1, 2001, but is not an active member of the system

27

because membership in the system is optional or prohibited

28

pursuant to section 5301 (relating to mandatory and optional

29

membership) and who first becomes an active member after June

30

30, 2001, and before January 1, 2011, or before December 1,

- 44 -

 


1

2010, as a member of the General Assembly, and who is not a

2

State police officer and not employed in a position for which

3

a class of service other than Class A is credited or could be

4

elected shall be classified as a Class AA member and receive

5

credit for Class AA State service upon payment of regular

6

member contributions for Class AA service and, subject to the

7

limitations contained in paragraph (7), if previously a

8

member of Class A or previously employed in a position for

9

which Class A service could have been earned, shall have all

10

Class A State service (other than State service performed as

11

a State Police officer or for which a class of service other

12

than Class A was earned or could have been elected)

13

classified as Class AA service.

14

* * *

15

(5)  A former State employee who first becomes a member

16

before January 1, 2011, or before December 1, 2010, as a

17

member of the General Assembly, other than a former State

18

employee who was a State police officer on or after July 1,

19

1989, who is a school employee and who on or after July 1,

20

2001, becomes a multiple service member, subject to the

21

limitations contained in paragraph (7), shall receive Class

22

AA service credit for all Class A State service other than

23

State service performed as a State employee in a position in

24

which the former State employee could have elected a class of

25

service other than Class A.

26

(6)  A State employee who after June 30, 2001, becomes a

27

State police officer or who is employed in a position in

28

which the member could elect membership in a class of service

29

other than Class AA or Class D-4 shall retain any Class AA

30

service credited prior to becoming a State police officer or

- 45 -

 


1

being so employed but shall be ineligible to receive Class AA

2

credit thereafter and instead shall receive Class A credit

3

for service as a member of the judiciary or if he first

4

became a member before January 1, 2011, or December 1, 2010,

5

as a member of the General Assembly, or Class A-3 credit for

6

service other than as a member of the judiciary and he first

7

became a member on or after January 1, 2011, or December 1,

8

2010, as a member of the General Assembly, unless a class of

9

membership other than Class A is elected.

10

* * *

11

(a.2)  Class of membership for members of the General

12

Assembly.--

13

(1)  A person who:

14

(i)  becomes a member of the General Assembly and an

15

active member of the system after June 30, 2001, and

16

before December 1, 2010; or

17

(ii)  is a member of the General Assembly on July 1,

18

2001, but is not an active member of the system because

19

membership in the system is optional pursuant to section

20

5301 and who becomes an active member after June 30,

21

2001, and before December 1, 2010;

22

and who was not a State police officer on or after July 1,

23

1989, shall be classified as a Class D-4 member and receive

24

credit as a Class D-4 member for all State service as a

25

member of the General Assembly upon payment of regular member

26

contributions for Class D-4 service and, subject to the

27

limitations contained in subsection (a.1)(7), if previously a

28

member of Class A or employed in a position for which Class A

29

service could have been earned, shall receive Class AA

30

service credit for all Class A State service, other than

- 46 -

 


1

State service performed as a State police officer or for

2

which a class of service other than Class A or Class D-4 was

3

or could have been elected or credited.

4

(2)  Provided an election to become a Class D-4 member is

5

made pursuant to section 5306.2 (relating to elections by

6

members of the General Assembly), a State employee who was

7

not a State police officer on or after July 1, 1989, who on

8

July 1, 2001, is a member of the General Assembly and an

9

active member of the system and not a member of Class D-3

10

shall be classified as a Class D-4 member and receive credit

11

as a Class D-4 member for all State service performed as a

12

member of the General Assembly not credited as another class

13

other than Class A upon payment of regular member

14

contributions for Class D-4 service and, subject to the

15

limitations contained in paragraph (a.1)(7), shall receive

16

Class AA service credit for all Class A State service, other

17

than State service performed as a State police officer or as

18

a State employee in a position in which the member could have

19

elected a class of service other than Class A, performed

20

before July 1, 2001.

21

(3)  A member of the General Assembly who after June 30,

22

2001, becomes a State police officer shall retain any Class

23

AA service or Class D-4 service credited prior to becoming a

24

State police officer or being so employed but shall be

25

ineligible to receive Class AA or Class D-4 credit thereafter

26

and instead shall receive Class A credit or Class A-3 credit

27

if he first becomes a member of the system on or after

28

January 1, 2011.

29

(4)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection,

30

no service as a member of the General Assembly performed

- 47 -

 


1

before December 1, 2010, that is not credited as Class D-4

2

service on November 30, 2010, shall be credited as Class D-4

3

service, unless such service was previously credited in the

4

system as Class D-4 service and the member withdrew his total

5

accumulated deductions as provided in section 5311 (relating

6

to eligibility for refunds) or 5701 (relating to return of

7

total accumulated deductions). No service as a member of the

8

General Assembly performed on or after December 1, 2010,

9

shall be credited as Class D-4 service unless the member

10

previously was credited with Class D-4 service credits.

11

(a.3)  Class A-3 A-4 membership.--Provided that an election

<--

12

to become a Class A-4 member is made pursuant to section 5306.3

13

(relating to election to become a Class A-4 member), a State

14

employee who otherwise would be a member of Class A-3 shall be

15

classified as a Class A-4 member and receive credit for all

16

creditable State service performed after the effective date of

17

membership in the system, except as a member of the judiciary,

18

upon payment of regular member contributions for Class A-4

19

service.

20

* * *

21

Section 7.4.  Title 71 is amended by adding a section to

22

read:

23

§ 5306.3.  Election to become a class A-4 member.

24

(a)  General rule.--A person who otherwise is eligible for

25

Class A-3 membership who has not previously elected or declined

26

to elect Class A-4 membership may elect to become a member of

27

Class A-4.

28

(b)  Time for making election.--The election to become a

29

Class A-4 member must be made by the member filing written

30

notice with the board in a form and manner determined by the

- 48 -

 


1

board no later than 45 days after notice from the board of the

2

member's eligibility to elect Class A-4 membership.

3

(c)  Effect of election.--An election to become a Class A-4

4

member shall be irrevocable and shall become effective on the

5

effective date of membership in the system and shall remain in

6

effect for all future creditable State service, other than

7

service performed as a member of the judiciary. Payment of

8

regular member contributions for Class A-4 State service

9

performed prior to the election of Class A-4 service shall be

10

made in a form, manner and time determined by the board. Upon

11

termination and subsequent reemployment, a member who elected

12

Class A-4 membership shall be credited as a Class A-4 member for

13

creditable State service performed after reemployment, except as

14

a member of the judiciary, regardless of termination of

15

employment, termination of membership by withdrawal of

16

accumulated deductions or status as an annuitant, vestee or

17

inactive member after the termination of service.

18

(d)  Effect of failure to make election.--Failure to elect to

19

become a Class A-4 member within the election period set forth

20

in subsection (b) shall result in all of the member's State

21

service, other than service performed as a member of the

22

judiciary, being credited as Class A-3 service and not subject

23

to further election or crediting as Class A-4 service. Upon

24

termination and subsequent employment, a member who failed to

25

elect to become a Class A-4 member shall not be eligible to make

26

another election to become a Class A-4 member for either past or

27

future State service.

28

Section 7.5.  Sections 5308(b) and 5309 of Title 71 are

29

amended to read:

30

§ 5308.  Eligibility for annuities.

- 49 -

 


1

* * *

2

(b)  Withdrawal annuity.--

3

(1)  Any vestee or any active member or inactive member

4

on leave without pay who terminates State service having five

5

or more eligibility points and who does not have Class A-3 or

6

Class A-4 service credit or Class T-E or Class T-F service

7

credit in the Public School Employees' Retirement System, or

8

who has Class G, Class H, Class I, Class J, Class K, Class L,

9

Class M or Class N service and terminates State service

10

having five or more eligibility points, upon compliance with

11

section 5907(f), (g) or (h) shall be entitled to receive an

12

annuity.

13

(2)  Any vestee, active member or inactive member on

14

leave without pay who has Class A-3 or Class A-4 service

15

credit or Class T-E or Class T-F service credit in the Public

16

School Employees' Retirement System who terminates State

17

service having ten or more eligibility points, upon

18

compliance with section 5907(f), (g) or (h), shall be

19

entitled to receive an annuity.

20

(3)  Any vestee, active member or inactive member on

21

leave without pay who has either Class A-3 or Class A-4

22

service credit or Class T-E or Class T-F service credit in

23

the Public School Employees' Retirement System and also has

24

service credited in the system in one or more other classes

25

of service who has five or more, but fewer than ten,

26

eligibility points, upon compliance with section 5907(f), (g)

27

or (h) shall be eligible to receive an annuity calculated on

28

his service credited in classes of service other than Class

29

A-3 or Class A-4, provided that the member has five or more

30

eligibility points resulting from service in classes other

- 50 -

 


1

than Class A-3 or Class A-4 or Class T-E or Class T-F service

2

in the Public School Employees' Retirement System.

3

* * *

4

§ 5309.  Eligibility for vesting.

5

Any member who:

6

(1)  Does not have Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit

7

or Class T-E or Class T-F service credit in the Public School

8

Employees' Retirement System and terminates State service

9

with five or more eligibility points, or any member with

10

Class G, Class H, Class I, Class J, Class K, Class L, Class M

11

or Class N service with five or more eligibility points,

12

shall be eligible until attainment of superannuation age to

13

vest his retirement benefits.

14

(2)  Has Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit or Class

15

T-E or Class T-F service credit in the Public School

16

Employees' Retirement System and terminates State service

17

with ten or more eligibility points shall be eligible until

18

attainment of superannuation age to vest his retirement

19

benefits.

20

(3)  Has either Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit or

21

Class T-E or Class T-F service credit in the Public School

22

Employees' Retirement System, also has service credited in

23

the system in one or more other classes of service and has

24

five or more, but fewer than ten, eligibility points shall be

25

eligible until the attainment of superannuation age to vest

26

his retirement benefits calculated on his service credited in

27

classes of service other than Class A-3 or Class A-4 and to

28

be credited with statutory interest on total accumulated

29

deductions, regardless of whether or not any part of his

30

accumulated deductions are a result of Class A-3 or Class A-4

- 51 -

 


1

service credit.

2

Section 8.  Title 71 is amended by adding a section to read:

3

§ 5501.1.  Definitions.

4

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter

5

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

6

context clearly indicates otherwise:

7

"Actuarially required contribution rate."  The employer

8

contribution rate as calculated pursuant to section 5508(a),

9

(b), (c), (e) and (f) (relating to actuarial cost method).

10

"Costs added by legislation."  The sum, if positive, of all

11

changes in the actuarially required contribution rate resulting

12

from legislation enacted in the year since the last actuarial

13

valuation and not included in the determination of the prior

14

year's final contribution rate, computed as the rate of total

15

compensation of all active members certified by the actuary as

16

sufficient to make the employer normal contributions and

17

sufficient to amortize legislatively created changes in the

18

unfunded actuarial liability as a level percentage of

19

compensation over a period of ten years from the July 1

20

following the valuation date.

21

Section 9.  Sections 5502.1, 5504(a), 5505(b) and (d), 5507,

22

5508, 5702(a)(4) and (6), 5704(e) and 5705(a) of Title 71 are

23

amended to read:

24

§ 5502.1.  Waiver of regular member contributions and Social

25

Security integration member contributions.

26

(a)  General rule.--Notwithstanding the provisions of

27

sections 5501 (relating to regular member contributions for

28

current service) and 5502 (relating to Social Security

29

integration member contributions), no regular member

30

contributions or Social Security integration member

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1

contributions shall be made by an active member for the period

2

from July 1 to the following June 30 if the maximum single life

3

annuity to which the member would have been entitled to receive

4

had the member retired with an effective date of retirement on

5

the preceding January 1 is greater than 110% of the highest

6

calendar year compensation of the member, provided the member

7

files a written election as prescribed by the board.

8

(b)  Applicability.--This section shall not apply to any

9

member who has Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit.

10

§ 5504.  Member contributions for the purchase of credit for

11

previous State service or to become a full coverage

12

member.

13

(a)  Amount of contributions for service in other than Class

14

G through N.--

15

(1)  The contributions to be paid by an active member or

16

eligible school employee for credit for total previous State

17

service other than service in Class G, Class H, Class I,

18

Class J, Class K, Class L, Class M and Class N or to become a

19

full coverage member shall be sufficient to provide an amount

20

equal to the regular and additional accumulated deductions

21

which would have been standing to the credit of the member

22

for such service had regular and additional member

23

contributions been made with full coverage in the class of

24

service and at the rate of contribution applicable during

25

such period of previous service and had his regular and

26

additional accumulated deductions been credited with

27

statutory interest during all periods of subsequent State and

28

school service up to the date of purchase.

29

(2)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), members with Class

30

A-3 State service shall make contributions and receive credit

- 53 -

 


1

as if the previous State service was Class A-3 service, and

2

members with Class A-4 State service shall make contributions

3

and receive credit as if the previous State service was Class

4

A-4 service, even if it would have been credited as a

5

different class of service had the State employee been a

6

member of the system at the time the service was performed

7

unless it was mandatory that the State employee be an active

8

member of the system and the previous State service is being

9

credited as the result of a mandatory active membership

10

requirement.

11

* * *

12

§ 5505.  Contributions for the purchase of credit for creditable

13

nonstate service.

14

* * *

15

(b)  Nonintervening military service.--

16

(1)  The amount due for the purchase of credit for

17

military service other than intervening military service

18

shall be determined by applying the product of the member's

19

basic contribution rate and the class of service multiplier

20

applicable to contributions for the class of service to which

21

the military service will be credited, the additional

22

contribution rate plus the Commonwealth normal contribution

23

rate for active members at the time of entry, subsequent to

24

such military service, of the member into State service to

25

his average annual rate of compensation over the first three

26

years of such subsequent State service and multiplying the

27

result by the number of years and fractional part of a year

28

of creditable nonintervening military service being purchased

29

together with statutory interest during all periods of

30

subsequent State and school service to date of purchase. Upon

- 54 -

 


1

application for credit for such service, payment shall be

2

made in a lump sum within 30 days or in the case of an active

3

member or eligible school employee who is an active member of

4

the Public School Employees' Retirement System it may be

5

amortized with statutory interest through salary deductions

6

in amounts agreed upon by the member and the board. The

7

salary deduction amortization plans agreed to by members and

8

the board may include a deferral of payment amounts and

9

statutory interest until the termination of school service or

10

State service as the board in its sole discretion decides to

11

allow. The board may limit salary deduction amortization

12

plans to such terms as the board in its sole discretion

13

determines. In the case of an eligible school employee who is

14

an active member of the Public School Employees' Retirement

15

System, the agreed upon salary deductions shall be remitted

16

to the Public School Employees' Retirement Board, which shall

17

certify and transfer to the board the amounts paid.

18

Application may be filed for all such military service credit

19

upon completion of three years of subsequent State service

20

and shall be credited as Class A-3 service for State

21

employees who first become members of the system on or after

22

January 1, 2011, or on or after December 1, 2010, as a member

23

of the General Assembly, and as Class A service for all other

24

members.

25

(2)  Applicants may purchase credit as follows:

26

(i)  one purchase of the total amount of creditable

27

nonintervening military service; or

28

(ii)  one purchase per 12-month period of a portion

29

of creditable nonintervening military service.

30

The amount of each purchase shall be not less than one year

- 55 -

 


1

of creditable nonintervening military service.

2

* * *

3

(d)  Nonmilitary and nonmagisterial service.--Contributions

4

on account of credit for creditable nonstate service other than

5

military and magisterial service shall be determined by applying

6

the product of the member's basic contribution rate and the

7

class of service multiplier applicable to contributions for the

8

class of service to which such nonstate service will be

9

credited, the additional contribution rate plus the Commonwealth

10

normal contribution rate for active members at the time of entry

11

subsequent to such creditable nonstate service of the member

12

into State service to his compensation at the time of entry into

13

State service and multiplying the result by the number of years

14

and fractional part of a year of creditable nonstate service

15

being purchased together with statutory interest during all

16

periods of subsequent State and school service to the date of

17

purchase. Upon application for credit for such service payment

18

shall be made in a lump sum within 30 days or in the case of an

19

active member or eligible school employee who is an active

20

member of the Public School Employees' Retirement System it may

21

be amortized with statutory interest through salary deductions

22

in amounts agreed upon by the member and the board. The salary

23

deduction amortization plans agreed to by members and the board

24

may include a deferral of payment amounts and statutory interest

25

until the termination of school service or State service as the

26

board in its sole discretion decides to allow. The board may

27

limit salary deduction amortization plans to such terms as the

28

board in its sole discretion determines. In the case of an

29

eligible school employee who is an active member of the Public

30

School Employees' Retirement System, the agreed upon salary

- 56 -

 


1

deduction shall be remitted to the Public School Employees'

2

Retirement Board, which shall certify and transfer to the board

3

the amounts paid.

4

* * *

5

§ 5507.  Contributions by the Commonwealth and other employers.

6

(a)  Contributions on behalf of active members.--The

7

Commonwealth and other employers whose employees are members of

8

the system shall make contributions to the fund on behalf of all

9

active members in such amounts as shall be certified by the

10

board as necessary to provide, together with the members' total

11

accumulated deductions, annuity reserves on account of

12

prospective annuities other than those provided in section 5708

13

(relating to supplemental annuities), 5708.1 (relating to

14

additional supplemental annuities), 5708.2 (relating to further

15

additional supplemental annuities), 5708.3 (relating to

16

supplemental annuities commencing 1994), 5708.4 (relating to

17

special supplemental postretirement adjustment), 5708.5

18

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 1998), 5708.6

19

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2002), 5708.7

20

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2003) and 5708.8

21

(relating to special supplemental postretirement adjustment of

22

2002), in accordance with the actuarial cost method provided in

23

section 5508(a), (b), (c), (d) and (f) (relating to actuarial

24

cost method).

25

(b)  Contributions on behalf of annuitants.--The Commonwealth

26

and other employers whose employees are members of the system 

27

shall make contributions on behalf of annuitants in such amounts

28

as shall be certified by the board as necessary to fund the

29

liabilities for supplemental annuities in accordance with the

30

actuarial cost method provided in section 5508(e) (relating to

- 57 -

 


1

actuarial cost method).

2

(c)  Contributions transferred by county retirement

3

systems.--

4

(1)  Each county retirement system or pension plan which

5

is notified by certification from the board that a former

6

contributor who was transferred to State employment pursuant

7

to 42 Pa.C.S. § 1905 (relating to county-level court

8

administrators) has elected to convert county service to

9

State service in accordance with section 5303.1 (relating to

10

election to convert county service to State service) shall

11

transfer to the board an amount equal to the actuarial

12

liability for the additional benefits that result in the

13

system as a result of the conversion as certified by the

14

board. This amount shall be calculated in such a manner and

15

using such actuarial factors and assumptions as the board,

16

after obtaining the advice of its actuary, shall determine

17

and shall be calculated by determining the present value of

18

the future benefits for the former county contributors and

19

subtracting from that present value the present value of

20

future employee contributions and future employer normal cost

21

contributions.

22

(2)  The transfer shall occur no later than 180 days

23

after the certification by the board of the actuarial

24

liability for the additional benefits or 30 days following

25

the date of termination of service if the member terminates

26

State service after making the election to convert service,

27

whichever occurs first.

28

(3)  If any county retirement system or pension plan

29

fails to transfer, within the required time, the money

30

certified by the board under this subsection, then the

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1

service of such members for the period of converted service

2

shall be credited, and the board shall notify the county

3

which employed the employee who is converting the county

4

service and the State Treasurer of the amount due. The State

5

Treasurer shall withhold out of any grants, subsidies or

6

other payments from the State General Fund appropriation or

7

appropriations next due such county an amount equal to the

8

amount which the county retirement system or pension plan

9

failed to pay and shall pay the amount so withheld to the

10

board for the payment of the amount due from that county's

11

retirement system or pension plan for the converted service.

12

(d)  Payment of final contribution rate.--Notwithstanding the

13

calculation of the actuarially required contribution rate and

14

the provisions of subsections (a) and (b), the Commonwealth and

15

other employers whose employees are members of the system shall

16

make contributions to the fund on behalf of all active members

17

and annuitants in such amounts as shall be certified by the

18

board in accordance with section 5508(i).

19

(e)  Benefits completion plan contributions.--In addition to

20

all other contributions required under this section and section

21

5508, the Commonwealth and other employers shall make

22

contributions as certified by the board pursuant to section 5941

23

(relating to benefits completion plan).

24

§ 5508.  Actuarial cost method.

25

(a)  Employer contribution rate on behalf of active

26

members.--The amount of the Commonwealth and other employer

27

contributions on behalf of all active members shall be computed

28

by the actuary as a percentage of the total compensation of all

29

active members during the period for which the amount is

30

determined and shall be so certified by the board. The [total

- 59 -

 


1

employer] actuarially required contribution rate on behalf of

2

all active members shall consist of the employer normal

3

contribution rate, as defined in subsection (b), and the accrued

4

liability contribution rate as defined in subsection (c). The

5

[total employer] actuarially required contribution rate on

6

behalf of all active members shall be modified by the experience

7

adjustment factor as calculated in subsection (f) [but in no

8

case shall it be less than zero. The total employer contribution

9

rate shall be modified by the experience adjustment factor as

10

calculated in subsection (f), but in no case shall it be less

11

than:

12

(1)  2% for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2004;

13

(2)  3% for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005; and

14

(3)  4% for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006, and

15

thereafter].

16

(b)  Employer normal contribution rate.--The employer normal

17

contribution rate shall be determined after each actuarial

18

valuation on the basis of an annual interest rate and such

19

mortality and other tables as shall be adopted by the board in

20

accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles. The

21

employer normal contribution rate shall be determined as a level

22

percentage of the compensation of the average new active member,

23

which percentage, if contributed on the basis of his prospective

24

compensation through his entire period of active State service,

25

would be sufficient to fund the liability for any prospective

26

benefit payable to him[, except for the supplemental benefits

27

provided for in sections 5708 (relating to supplemental

28

annuities), 5708.1 (relating to additional supplemental

29

annuities), 5708.2 (relating to further additional supplemental

30

annuities), 5708.3 (relating to supplemental annuities

- 60 -

 


1

commencing 1994), 5708.4 (relating to special supplemental

2

postretirement adjustment), 5708.5 (relating to supplemental

3

annuities commencing 1998), 5708.6 (relating to supplemental

4

annuities commencing 2002), 5708.7 (relating to supplemental

5

annuities commencing 2003) and 5708.8 (relating to special

6

supplemental postretirement adjustment of 2002),] in excess of

7

that portion funded by his prospective member contributions.

8

(c)  Accrued liability contribution rate.--

9

(1)  For the fiscal [year] years beginning July 1, 2002, 

10

and July 1, 2003, the accrued liability contribution rate

11

shall be computed as the rate of total compensation of all

12

active members which shall be certified by the actuary as

13

sufficient to fund over a period of ten years from July 1,

14

2002, the present value of the liabilities for all

15

prospective benefits, except for the supplemental benefits as

16

provided in sections 5708 (relating to supplemental

17

annuities), 5708.1 (relating to additional supplemental

18

annuities), 5708.2 (relating to further additional

19

supplemental annuities), 5708.3 (relating to supplemental

20

annuities commencing 1994), 5708.4 (relating to special

21

supplemental postretirement adjustment), 5708.5 (relating to

22

supplemental annuities commencing 1998), 5708.6 (relating to

23

supplemental annuities commencing 2002), 5708.7 (relating to

24

supplemental annuities commencing 2003) and 5708.8 (relating

25

to special supplemental postretirement adjustment of 2002),

26

in excess of the total assets in the fund (calculated

27

recognizing all investment gains and losses over a five-year

28

period), excluding the balance in the supplemental annuity

29

account, and the present value of employer normal

30

contributions and of member contributions payable with

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1

respect to all active members on December 31, 2001, and

2

excluding contributions to be transferred by county

3

retirement systems or pension plans pursuant to section

4

5507(c) (relating to contributions by the Commonwealth and

5

other employers). The amount of each annual accrued liability

6

contribution shall be equal to the amount of such

7

contribution for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002,

8

except that, if the accrued liability is increased by

9

legislation enacted subsequent to June 30, 2002, but before

10

July 1, 2003, such additional liability shall be funded over

11

a period of ten years from the first day of July, coincident

12

with or next following the effective date of the increase.

13

The amount of each annual accrued liability contribution for

14

such additional legislative liabilities shall be equal to the

15

amount of such contribution for the first annual payment.

16

(2)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

17

beginning July 1, 2004, and ending June 30, 2010, the

18

outstanding balance of the increase in accrued liability due

19

to the change in benefits enacted in 2001 shall be amortized

20

in equal dollar annual contributions over a period that ends

21

30 years after July 1, 2002, and the outstanding balance of

22

the net actuarial loss incurred in calendar year 2002 shall

23

be amortized in equal dollar annual contributions over a

24

period that ends 30 years after July 1, 2003. For fiscal

25

years beginning on or after July 1, 2004, and ending June 30,

26

2010, if the accrued liability is increased by legislation

27

enacted subsequent to June 30, 2003, but before January 1,

28

2009, such additional liability shall be funded in equal

29

dollar annual contributions over a period of ten years from

30

the first day of July coincident with or next following the

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1

effective date of the increase.

2

(3)  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, the

3

accrued liability contribution rate shall be computed as the

4

rate of total compensation of all active members which shall

5

be certified by the actuary as sufficient to fund as a level

6

percentage of compensation over a period of 30 years from

7

July 1, 2010, the present value of the liabilities for all

8

prospective benefits calculated as of the immediately prior

9

valuation date, including the supplemental benefits as

10

provided in sections 5708, 5708.1, 5708.2, 5708.3, 5708.4,

11

5708.5, 5708.6, 5708.7 and 5708.8, but excluding the benefits

12

payable from the retirement benefit plan established pursuant

13

to section 5941 (relating to benefits completion plan), in

14

excess of the actuarially calculated assets in the fund

15

(calculated recognizing all realized and unrealized

16

investment gains and losses each year in level annual

17

installments over five years), including the balance in the

18

supplemental annuity account, and the present value of

19

employer normal contributions and of member contributions

20

payable with respect to all active members, inactive members

21

on leave without pay, vestees and special vestees on December

22

31, 2009. If the accrued liability is changed by legislation

23

enacted subsequent to December 31, 2009, such change in

24

liability shall be funded as a level percentage of

25

compensation over a period of ten years from the first day of

26

July following the valuation date coincident with or next

27

following the date such legislation is enacted.

28

(d)  Special provisions on calculating contributions.--In

29

calculating the contributions required by subsections (a), (b)

30

and (c), the active members of Class C shall be considered to be

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1

members of Class A. In addition, the actuary shall determine the

2

Commonwealth or other employer contributions required for active

3

members of Class C and officers of the Pennsylvania State Police

4

and enforcement officers and investigators of the Pennsylvania

5

Liquor Control Board who are members of Class A to finance their

6

benefits in excess of those to which other members of Class A

7

are entitled. Such additional contributions shall be determined

8

separately for officers and employees of the Pennsylvania State

9

Police and for enforcement officers and investigators of the

10

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Such contributions payable on

11

behalf of officers and employees of the Pennsylvania State

12

Police shall include the amounts received by the system under

13

the provisions of the act of May 12, 1943 (P.L.259, No.120),

14

referred to as the Foreign Casualty Insurance Premium Tax

15

Allocation Law, and on behalf of enforcement officers or

16

investigators of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the

17

amounts received by the system under the provisions of the act

18

of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code.

19

(e)  Supplemental annuity contribution rate.--[Contributions]

20

(1)  For the period July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2010,

21

contributions from the Commonwealth and other employers whose

22

employees are members of the system required to provide for

23

the payment of supplemental annuities as provided in sections

24

5708, 5708.1, 5708.2, 5708.3, 5708.4 and 5708.5 shall be paid

25

over a period of ten years from July 1, 2002. The funding for

26

the supplemental annuities commencing 2002 provided for in

27

section 5708.6 shall be as provided in section 5708.6(f). The

28

funding for the supplemental annuities commencing 2003

29

provided for in section 5708.7 shall be as provided in

30

section 5708.7(f). The funding for the special supplemental

- 64 -

 


1

postretirement adjustment of 2002 under section 5708.8 shall

2

be as provided in section 5708.8(g). The amount of each

3

annual supplemental annuities contribution shall be equal to

4

the amount of such contribution for the fiscal year beginning

5

July 1, 2002. [In the event that supplemental annuities are

6

increased by legislation enacted subsequent to June 30, 2002,

7

the additional liability for the increase in benefits shall

8

be funded in equal dollar annual installments over a period

9

of ten years from the July first, coincident with or next

10

following the effective date of such legislation.]

11

(2)  For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2010,

12

contributions from the Commonwealth and other employers whose

13

employees are members of the system required to provide for

14

the payment of supplemental annuities as provided in sections

15

5708, 5708.1, 5708.2, 5708.3, 5708.4, 5708.5, 5708.6, 5708.7

16

and 5708.8 shall be paid as part of the accrued liability

17

contribution rate as provided for in subsection (c)(3) and

18

there shall not be a separate supplemental annuity

19

contribution rate attributable to those supplemental

20

annuities. In the event that supplemental annuities are

21

increased by legislation enacted subsequent to December 31,

22

2009, the additional liability for the increase in benefits

23

shall be funded as a level percentage of compensation over a

24

period of ten years from the first day of July following the

25

valuation date coincident with or next following the date

26

such legislation is enacted.

27

(f)  Experience adjustment factor.--

28

(1)  For each year after the establishment of the accrued

29

liability contribution rate and the supplemental annuity

30

contribution rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1,

- 65 -

 


1

[2002] 2010, any increase or decrease in the unfunded accrued 

2

liability[, including liability] and any increase or decrease

3

in the liabilities and funding for supplemental annuities,

4

due to actual experience differing from assumed experience[,] 

5

(recognizing all realized and unrealized investment gains and

6

losses over a five-year period), changes in contributions

7

caused by the final contribution rate being different from

8

the actuarially required contribution rate, changes in

9

actuarial assumptions[,] or changes in the terms and

10

conditions of the benefits provided by the system by

11

judicial, administrative or other processes other than

12

legislation, including, but not limited to, reinterpretation

13

of the provisions of this part, shall be amortized [in equal

14

dollar annual contributions] as a level percentage of

15

compensation over a period of [ten] 30 years beginning with

16

the July 1 succeeding the actuarial valuation determining

17

said increases or decreases.

18

(2)  [Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1),

19

for each year after the establishment of the accrued

20

liability contribution rate for the fiscal year beginning

21

July 1, 2003, any increase or decrease in the unfunded

22

accrued liability due to actual experience differing from

23

assumed experience, changes in actuarial assumptions, changes

24

in the terms and conditions of the benefits provided by the

25

system by judicial, administrative or other processes other

26

than legislation, including, but not limited to,

27

reinterpretation of the provisions of this part, shall be

28

amortized in equal dollar annual contributions over a period

29

of 30 years beginning with the July 1 succeeding the

30

actuarial valuation determining said increases and decreases] 

- 66 -

 


1

The actuarially required contribution rate shall be the sum

2

of the normal contribution rate, the accrued liability

3

contribution rate and the supplemental annuity contribution

4

rate, modified by the experience adjustment factor as

5

calculated in paragraph (1).

6

(g)  Determination of liability for special vestee.--

7

Notwithstanding any other provision of this part or other law,

8

the total additional accrued actuarial liability resulting from

9

eligibility of special vestees for benefits upon the attainment

10

of superannuation age shall be determined by the actuary as part

11

of the first annual valuation made after June 30, 1997. The

12

resulting additional accrued actuarial liability shall be paid

13

by The Pennsylvania State University to the board in one lump

14

sum payment within 90 days of the board's certification of the

15

amount to The Pennsylvania State University.

16

(h)  Temporary application of collared contribution rate.--

17

The collared contribution rate for each year shall be determined

18

by comparing the actuarially required contribution rate

19

calculated without regard for costs added by legislation to the

20

prior year's final contribution rate. If for any of the fiscal

21

years beginning July 1, 2011, July 1, 2012 and on or after July

22

1, 2013, the actuarially required contribution rate calculated

23

without regard for costs added by legislation is more than 3%,

24

3.5% and 4.5%, respectively, of the total compensation of all

25

active members greater than the prior year's final contribution

26

rate, then the collared contribution rate shall be applied and

27

be equal to the prior year's final contribution rate increased

28

by the respective percentage above of total compensation of all

29

active members. Otherwise, and for all subsequent fiscal years,

30

the collared contribution rate shall not be applicable. In no

- 67 -

 


1

case shall the collared contribution rate be less than 4% of

2

total compensation of all active members.

3

(i)  Final contribution rate.--For the fiscal year beginning

4

July 1, 2010, the final contribution rate shall be 5% of total

5

compensation of all active members. For each subsequent fiscal

6

year for which the collared contribution rate is applicable, the

7

final contribution rate shall be the collared contribution rate

8

plus the costs added by legislation. For all other fiscal years,

9

the final contribution rate shall be the actuarially required

10

contribution rate, provided that the final contribution rate

11

shall not be less than the employer normal contribution rate, as

12

defined in subsection (b).

13

§ 5702.  Maximum single life annuity.

14

(a)  General rule.--Any full coverage member who is eligible

15

to receive an annuity pursuant to the provisions of section

16

5308(a) or (b) (relating to eligibility for annuities) who

17

terminates State service, or if a multiple service member who is

18

a school employee who is an active member of the Public School

19

Employees' Retirement System who terminates school service,

20

before attaining age 70 shall be entitled to receive a maximum

21

single life annuity attributable to his credited service and

22

equal to the sum of the following single life annuities

23

beginning at the effective date of retirement:

24

* * *

25

(4)  If eligible, a single life annuity which is

26

actuarially equivalent to the amount by which his regular and

27

additional accumulated deductions attributable to any

28

credited service other than as a member of Class C are

29

greater than one-half of the actuarially equivalent value on

30

the effective date of retirement of the annuity as provided

- 68 -

 


1

in paragraph (1) attributable to service other than Class C

2

for which regular or joint coverage member contributions were

3

made. This paragraph shall not apply to any member with State

4

service credited as Class A-3 or Class A-4.

5

* * *

6

(6)  If eligible, a single life annuity sufficient

7

together with the annuity provided for in paragraph (1) as a

8

Class A [and], Class AA, Class A-3 and Class A-4 member and

9

the highest annuity provided for in paragraph (2) to which he

10

is entitled, or at his option could have been entitled, to

11

produce that percentage of a standard single life annuity

12

adjusted by the application of the class of service

13

multiplier for Class A, Class AA, Class A-3 or Class A-4 as

14

set forth in paragraph (1) in the case where any service is

15

credited as a member of Class A, Class AA, Class A-3 or Class

16

A-4 on the effective date of retirement as determined by his

17

total years of credited service as a member of Class A [and], 

18

Class AA, Class A-3 and Class A-4 and by the following table:

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Total Years of

Credited Service

as a Member of

Class A [and],

Class AA, Class A-3

and Class A-4

  

  

Percentage of

Standard

Single Life

Annuity Adjusted for

Class A, Class AA,

Class A-3 and Class A-4

 Class of

Service Multipliers

27

35-40

100%

28

41

102%

29

42

104%

30

43

106%

- 69 -

 


1

44

108%

2

45 or more

110%

3

* * *

4

§ 5704.  Disability annuities.

5

* * *

6

(e)  Termination of State service.--Upon termination of

7

disability annuity payments in excess of an annuity calculated

8

in accordance with section 5702, a disability annuitant who:

9

(1)  does not have Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit;

10

or

11

(2)  has Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit and fewer

12

than ten eligibility points;

13

and who does not return to State service may file an application

14

with the board for an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the

15

sum of the regular and additional accumulated deductions

16

standing to his credit at the effective date of disability over

17

one-third of the total disability annuity payments received. If

18

the annuitant on the date of termination of service was eligible

19

for an annuity as provided in section [5308(b)] 5308(a) or (b) 

20

(relating to eligibility for annuities), he may file an

21

application with the board for an election of an optional

22

modification of his annuity.

23

* * *

24

§ 5705.  Member's options.

25

(a)  General rule.--Any special vestee who has attained

26

superannuation age, any vestee who does not have Class A-3 or

27

Class A-4 service credit having five or more eligibility points

28

for service other than Class T-E or Class T-F service in the

29

Public School Employees' Retirement System, or vestee who has

30

Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit having ten or more

- 70 -

 


1

eligibility points, any member with Class G, Class H, Class I,

2

Class J, Class K, Class L, Class M or Class N service having

3

five or more eligibility points or any other eligible member

4

upon termination of State service who has not withdrawn his

5

total accumulated deductions as provided in section 5701

6

(relating to return of total accumulated deductions) may apply

7

for and elect to receive either a maximum single life annuity,

8

as calculated in accordance with the provisions of section 5702

9

(relating to maximum single life annuity), or a reduced annuity

10

certified by the actuary to be actuarially equivalent to the

11

maximum single life annuity and in accordance with one of the

12

following options; except that no member shall elect an annuity

13

payable to one or more survivor annuitants other than his spouse

14

or alternate payee of such a magnitude that the present value of

15

the annuity payable to him for life plus any lump sum payment he

16

may have elected to receive is less than 50% of the present

17

value of his maximum single life annuity:

18

(1)  Option 1.--A life annuity to the member with a

19

guaranteed total payment equal to the present value of the

20

maximum single life annuity on the effective date of

21

retirement with the provision that, if, at his death, he has

22

received less than such present value, the unpaid balance

23

shall be payable to his beneficiary.

24

(2)  Option 2.--A joint and survivor annuity payable

25

during the lifetime of the member with the full amount of

26

such annuity payable thereafter to his survivor annuitant, if

27

living at his death.

28

(3)  Option 3.--A joint and fifty percent (50%) survivor

29

annuity payable during the lifetime of the member with one-

30

half of such annuity payable thereafter to his survivor

- 71 -

 


1

annuitant, if living at his death.

2

(4)  Option 4.--Some other benefit which shall be

3

certified by the actuary to be actuarially equivalent to the

4

maximum single life annuity, subject to the following

5

restrictions:

6

(i)  any annuity shall be payable without reduction

7

during the lifetime of the member;

8

(ii)  the sum of all annuities payable to the

9

designated survivor annuitants shall not be greater than

10

one and one-half times the annuity payable to the member;

11

and

12

(iii)  a portion of the benefit may be payable as a

13

lump sum, except that such lump sum payment shall not

14

exceed an amount equal to the total accumulated

15

deductions standing to the credit of the member that are

16

not the result of contributions and statutory interest

17

made or credited as a result of Class A-3 or Class A-4

18

service. The balance of the present value of the maximum

19

single life annuity adjusted in accordance with section

20

5702(b) shall be paid in the form of an annuity with a

21

guaranteed total payment, a single life annuity, or a

22

joint and survivor annuity or any combination thereof but

23

subject to the restrictions of subparagraphs (i) and (ii)

24

under this option.

25

* * *

26

Section 10.  Title 71 is amended by adding a section to read:

27

§ 5705.1.  Payment of accumulated deductions resulting from

28

Class A-3 and Class A-4 service.

29

Any superannuation or withdrawal annuitant who:

30

(1)  has Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit;

- 72 -

 


1

(2)  has service credited in one or more classes of

2

service; and

3

(3)  because he has five or more, but fewer than ten,

4

eligibility points is not eligible to receive an annuity on

5

his Class A-3 or Class A-4 service

6

shall receive in a lump sum at the time of his retirement, in

7

addition to any other annuity or lump sum payment which he may

8

elect, his accumulated deductions resulting from his Class A-3

9

or Class A-4 service credit. Payment of these accumulated

10

deductions resulting from Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit

11

shall not be eligible for installment payments pursuant to

12

section 5905.1 (relating to installment payments of accumulated

13

deductions) but shall be considered a lump sum payment for

14

purposes of section 5905.1(d).

15

Section 11.  Sections 5708.1(f), 5708.2(f), 5708.3(f),

16

5708.5(f), 5708.6(f), 5708.7(f), 5708.8(g), 5902(k), 5903(c),

17

5905(a), 5905.1(d), 5907(c), 5934, 5936(b), 5937(b), 5938 and

18

5955 of Title 71 are amended to read:

19

§ 5708.1.  Additional supplemental annuities.

20

* * *

21

(f)  Funding.--The actuary shall annually certify the amount

22

of appropriations for the next fiscal year needed to fund, over

23

a period of ten years from July 1, 2002, the additional monthly

24

supplemental annuity provided for in this section[. The board

25

shall submit the actuary's certification to the Secretary of the

26

Budget on or before November 1 of each year. If, in any year

27

after 1984, the amount certified is disapproved under section

28

610 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The

29

Administrative Code of 1929, as insufficient to meet the funding

30

requirements of this subsection or is not appropriated on or

- 73 -

 


1

before July 1, the additional supplemental annuity provided for

2

in this section shall be suspended until such time as an amount

3

certified and approved as sufficient is appropriated], which

4

amounts shall be paid during the period beginning July 1, 2002,

5

and ending June 30, 2010. For fiscal years beginning on or after

6

July 1, 2010, the additional liability provided in this section

7

shall be funded as part of the actuarial accrued liability as

8

provided in section 5508 (relating to actuarial cost method).

9

* * *

10

§ 5708.2.  Further additional supplemental annuities.

11

* * *

12

(f)  Funding.--The actuary shall annually estimate the amount

13

of Commonwealth appropriations for the next fiscal year needed

14

to fund, over a period of ten years from July 1, 2002, the

15

additional monthly supplemental annuity provided for in this

16

section[. The board shall submit the actuary's estimation to the

17

Secretary of the Budget on or before November 1 of each year.

18

If, in any year after 1988, the amount estimated is disapproved

19

under section 610 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175),

20

known as The Administrative Code of 1929, as insufficient to

21

meet the funding requirements of this subsection or is not

22

appropriated on or before July 1, the additional supplemental

23

annuity provided for in this section shall be suspended until

24

such time as an amount certified and approved as sufficient is

25

appropriated], which amounts shall be paid during the period

26

beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2010. For fiscal

27

years beginning on or after July 1, 2010, the additional

28

liability provided in this section shall be funded as part of

29

the actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 5508

30

(relating to actuarial cost method).

- 74 -

 


1

* * *

2

§ 5708.3.  Supplemental annuities commencing 1994.

3

* * *

4

(f)  Funding.--[The] For the period beginning July 1, 2002,

5

and ending June 30, 2010, the additional liability for the

6

increase in benefits provided in this section shall be funded in

7

equal dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

8

beginning July 1, 2002. For fiscal years beginning on or after

9

July 1, 2010, the additional liability for the increase in

10

benefits provided in this section shall be funded as part of the

11

actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 5508

12

(relating to actuarial cost method).

13

* * *

14

§ 5708.5.  Supplemental annuities commencing 1998.

15

* * *

16

(f)  Funding.--[The] For the period beginning July 1, 2002,

17

and ending June 30, 2010, the additional liability for the

18

increase in benefits provided in this section shall be funded in

19

equal dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

20

beginning July 1, 2002. For fiscal years beginning on or after

21

July 1, 2010, the additional liability for the increase in

22

benefits provided in this section shall be funded as part of the

23

actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 5508

24

(relating to actuarial cost method).

25

* * *

26

§ 5708.6.  Supplemental annuities commencing 2002.

27

* * *

28

(f)  Funding.--[The] For the period beginning July 1, 2003,

29

and ending June 30, 2010, the additional liability for the

30

increase in benefits provided in this section shall be funded in

- 75 -

 


1

equal dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

2

beginning July 1, 2003. For fiscal years beginning on or after

3

July 1, 2010, the additional liability for the increase in

4

benefits provided in this section shall be funded as part of the

5

actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 5508

6

(relating to actuarial cost method).

7

* * *

8

§ 5708.7.  Supplemental annuities commencing 2003.

9

* * *

10

(f)  Funding.--[The] For the period beginning July 1, 2004,

11

and ending June 30, 2010, the additional liability for the

12

increase in benefits provided in this section shall be funded in

13

equal dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

14

beginning July 1, 2004. For fiscal years beginning on or after

15

July 1, 2010, the additional liability for the increase in

16

benefits provided in this section shall be funded as part of the

17

actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 5508

18

(relating to actuarial cost method).

19

* * *

20

§ 5708.8.  Special supplemental postretirement adjustment of

21

2002.

22

* * *

23

(g)  Funding.--[The] For the period beginning July 1, 2003,

24

and ending June 30, 2010, the additional liability for the

25

increase in benefits provided in this section shall be funded in

26

equal dollar annual installments over a period of ten years

27

beginning July 1, 2003. For fiscal years beginning on or after

28

July 1, 2010, the additional liability for the increase in

29

benefits provided in this section shall be funded as part of the

30

actuarial accrued liability as provided in section 5508

- 76 -

 


1

(relating to actuarial cost method).

2

* * *

3

§ 5902.  Administrative duties of the board.

4

* * *

5

(k)  Certification of employer contributions.--The board

6

shall, each year in addition to the itemized budget required

7

under section 5509 (relating to appropriations and assessments

8

by the Commonwealth), certify, as a percentage of the members'

9

payroll, the employers' contributions as determined pursuant to

10

section 5508 (relating to actuarial cost method) necessary for

11

the funding of prospective annuities for active members and the

12

annuities of annuitants and certify the rates and amounts of the

13

employers' normal contributions as determined pursuant to

14

section 5508(b), accrued liability contributions as determined

15

pursuant to section 5508(c), supplemental annuities contribution

16

rate as determined pursuant to section 5508(e) [and], the

17

experience adjustment factor as determined pursuant to section

18

5508(f), the collared contribution rate pursuant to section

19

5508(h) and the final contribution rate pursuant to section

20

5508(i), which shall be paid to the fund and credited to the

21

appropriate accounts. The board may allocate the final

22

contribution rate and certify various employer contribution

23

rates based upon the different benefit eligibility, class of

24

service multiplier, superannuation age and other benefit

25

differences resulting from State service credited for individual

26

members even though such allocated employer contribution rate on

27

behalf of any given member may be more or less than 5% of the

28

member's compensation for the period from July 1, 2010, to June

29

30, 2011, or may differ from the prior year's contribution for

30

that member by more or less than the percentages used to

- 77 -

 


1

calculate the collared contribution rate for that year and may

2

be below any minimum contribution rate established for the

3

collared contribution rate or final contribution rate. These

4

certifications shall be regarded as final and not subject to

5

modification by the [Budget Secretary] Secretary of the Budget.

6

* * *

7

§ 5903.  Duties of the board to advise and report to heads of

8

departments and members.

9

* * *

10

(c)  Purchase of credit and full coverage membership

11

certifications.--Upon receipt of an application from an active

12

member or eligible school employee to purchase credit for

13

previous State or creditable nonstate service, an election for

14

membership in a specific class of service, or an election to

15

become a full coverage member, the board shall determine and

16

certify to the member the amount required to be paid by the

17

member. When necessary, the board shall certify to the previous

18

employer the amount due in accordance with sections 5504

19

(relating to member contributions for the purchase of credit for

20

previous State service or to become a full coverage member) and

21

5505 (relating to contributions for the purchase of credit for

22

creditable nonstate service).

23

* * *

24

§ 5905.  Duties of the board regarding applications and

25

elections of members.

26

(a)  Statement to new members.--As soon as practicable after

27

each member shall have become an active member in the system,

28

the board shall issue to the member notice of any election of

29

class of service membership he may be eligible to make, a

30

statement certifying his class of service, his member

- 78 -

 


1

contribution rate, and the aggregate length of total previous

2

State service and creditable nonstate service for which he may

3

receive credit.

4

* * *

5

§ 5905.1.  Installment payments of accumulated deductions.

6

* * *

7

(d)  Statutory interest.--Any lump sum, including a lump sum

8

payable pursuant to section 5705.1 (relating to payment of

9

accumulated deductions resulting from Class A-3 and Class A-4

10

service), or installment payable shall include statutory

11

interest credited to the date of payment, except in the case of

12

a member, other than a vestee or special vestee, who has not

13

filed his application prior to 90 days following his termination

14

of service.

15

§ 5907.  Rights and duties of State employees and members.

16

* * *

17

(c)  Multiple service membership.--Any active member who was

18

formerly an active member in the Public School Employees'

19

Retirement System may elect to become a multiple service member.

20

Such election shall occur no later than [30] 365 days after

21

becoming an active member in this system.

22

* * *

23

§ 5934.  State accumulation account.

24

The State accumulation account shall be the ledger account to

25

which shall be credited all contributions of the Commonwealth or

26

other employers whose employees are members of the system and

27

made in accordance with the provisions of section 5507(a) or (d) 

28

(relating to contributions by the Commonwealth and other

29

employers) except that the amounts received under the provisions

30

of the act of May 12, 1943 (P.L.259, No.120), and the amounts

- 79 -

 


1

received under the provisions of the Liquor Code, act of April

2

12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), shall be credited to the State Police

3

benefit account or the enforcement officers' benefit account as

4

the case may be. All amounts transferred to the fund by county

5

retirement systems or pension plans in accordance with the

6

provisions of section 5507(c) also shall be credited to the

7

State accumulation account. All amounts transferred to the fund

8

by the Public School Employees' Retirement System in accordance

9

with section 5303.2(e) (relating to election to convert school

10

service to State service), except amounts credited to the

11

members' savings account, and all amounts paid by the Department

12

of Corrections in accordance with section 5303.2(f) also shall

13

be credited to the State accumulation account. The State

14

accumulation account shall be credited with valuation interest.

15

The reserves necessary for the payment of annuities and death

16

benefits as approved by the board and as provided in Chapter 57

17

(relating to benefits) shall be transferred from the State

18

accumulation account to the annuity reserve account provided for

19

in section 5935 (relating to annuity reserve account), except

20

that the reserves necessary on account of a member who is an

21

officer of the Pennsylvania State Police or an enforcement

22

officer shall be transferred from the State accumulation account

23

to the State Police benefit account provided for in section 5936

24

(relating to State Police benefit account) or to the enforcement

25

officers' benefit account as provided for in section 5937

26

(relating to enforcement officers' benefit account) as the case

27

may be. The reserves necessary for the payment of supplemental

28

annuities in excess of those reserves credited to the

29

supplemental annuity account on June 30, 2010, shall be

30

transferred from the State accumulation account to the

- 80 -

 


1

supplemental annuity account. In the event that supplemental

2

annuities are increased by legislation enacted subsequent to

3

December 31, 2009, the necessary reserves shall be transferred

4

from the State accumulation account to the supplemental annuity

5

account.

6

§ 5936.  State Police benefit account.

7

* * *

8

(b)  Transfers from account.--Should the said annuitant be

9

subsequently restored to active service, the present value of

10

the member's annuity at the time of reentry into State service

11

shall be transferred from the State Police benefit account and

12

placed to his individual credit in the members' savings account.

13

In addition, the actuarial reserve for his annuity calculated as

14

if he had been a member of Class A if he has Class A or Class C

15

service credited; as if he had been a member of Class A-3 if the

16

annuitant has Class A-3 State service credited; or as if he had

17

been a member of Class A-4 if the annuitant has Class A-4

18

service credited, less the amount transferred to the members'

19

savings account shall be transferred from the State Police

20

benefit account to the State accumulation account. Upon

21

subsequent retirement other than as an officer of the

22

Pennsylvania State Police the actuarial reserve remaining in the

23

State Police benefit account shall be transferred to the

24

appropriate reserve account.

25

§ 5937.  Enforcement officers' benefit account.

26

* * *

27

(b)  Transfers from account.--Should the said annuitant be

28

subsequently restored to active service, the present value of

29

the member's annuity at the time of reentry into State service

30

shall be transferred from the enforcement officers' benefit

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1

account and placed to his individual credit in the members'

2

savings account. In addition, the actuarial reserve for his

3

annuity calculated as if he had been a member of Class A if the

4

annuitant does not have any Class AA, Class A-3 or Class A-4 

5

service credited [and calculated]; as if he had been a member of

6

Class AA if the annuitant does have Class AA service credited;

7

as if he had been a member of Class A-3 if the annuitant has

8

Class A-3 State service credited; or as if he had been a member

9

of Class A-4 if the annuitant has Class A-4 service credited, 

10

less the amount transferred to the members' savings account

11

shall be transferred from the enforcement officers' benefit

12

account to the State accumulation account. Upon subsequent

13

retirement other than as an enforcement officer the actuarial

14

reserve remaining in the enforcement officers' benefit account

15

shall be transferred to the appropriate reserve account.

16

§ 5938.  Supplemental annuity account.

17

The supplemental annuity account shall be the ledger account

18

to which shall be credited all contributions from the

19

Commonwealth and other employers in accordance with section

20

5507(b) (relating to contributions by the Commonwealth and other

21

employers) for the payment of the supplemental annuities

22

provided in sections 5708 (relating to supplemental annuities),

23

5708.1 (relating to additional supplemental annuities), 5708.2

24

(relating to further additional supplemental annuities), 5708.3

25

(relating to supplemental annuities commencing 1994), 5708.4

26

(relating to special supplemental postretirement adjustment),

27

5708.5 (relating to supplemental annuities commencing 1998),

28

5708.6 (relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2002),

29

5708.7 (relating to supplemental annuities commencing 2003) and

30

5708.8 (relating to special supplemental postretirement

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1

adjustment of 2002) made before July 1, 2010, the amount

2

transferred from the State accumulation account to provide all

3

additional reserves necessary as of June 30, 2010, to pay such

4

supplemental annuities and adjustments, and the amounts

5

transferred from the State accumulation account to provide all

6

additional reserves necessary as a result of supplemental

7

annuities enacted after December 31, 2009. The supplemental

8

annuity account shall be credited with valuation interest. The

9

reserves necessary for the payment of such supplemental

10

annuities shall be transferred from the supplemental annuity

11

account to the annuity reserve account as provided in section

12

5935 (relating to annuity reserve account).

13

§ 5955.  Construction of part.

14

Regardless of any other provision of law, pension rights of

15

State employees shall be determined solely by this part or any

16

amendment thereto, and no collective bargaining agreement nor

17

any arbitration award between the Commonwealth and its employees

18

or their collective bargaining representatives shall be

19

construed to change any of the provisions herein, to require the

20

board to administer pension or retirement benefits not set forth

21

in this part, or otherwise require action by any other

22

government body pertaining to pension or retirement benefits or

23

rights of State employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any

24

pension or retirement benefits or rights previously so

25

established by or as a result of an arbitration award shall

26

remain in effect after the expiration of the current collective

27

bargaining agreement between the State employees so affected and

28

the Commonwealth until the expiration of each of the collective

29

bargaining agreements in effect on January 1, 2011, at which

30

time the classes of membership and resulting member contribution

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1

rates, eligibility for vesting, withdrawal and superannuation

2

annuities, optional modification of annuities and other terms

3

and conditions related to class of membership shall be as

4

determined by this part for employees covered by those and

5

successor collective bargaining agreements. For purposes of

6

administering this part, for those State employees who are

7

members of each such collective bargaining unit, the date

8

January 1, 2011, contained in this part, except in this section,

9

shall be replaced with the date of the day immediately following

10

the expiration of each such collective bargaining agreement. The

11

provisions of this part insofar as they are the same as those of

12

existing law are intended as a continuation of such laws and not

13

as new enactments. The provisions of this part shall not affect

14

any act done, liability incurred, right accrued or vested, or

15

any suit or prosecution pending or to be instituted to enforce

16

any right or penalty or to punish any offense under the

17

authority of any repealed laws.

18

Section 12.  Contribution rates shall remain in effect until

19

June 30, 2010, as follows:

20

(1)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this act, the

21

employer contribution rates certified by the Public School

22

Employees' Retirement Board for fiscal year 2009-2010 shall

23

remain in effect until June 30, 2010.

24

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this act, the

25

employer contribution rates certified by the State Employees'

26

Retirement Board for fiscal year 2009-2010 shall remain in

27

effect until June 30, 2010.

28

Section 13.  Recertification to the Secretary of the Budget

29

shall be as follows:

30

(1)   Within 15 days of the later of:

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1

(i)  the effective date of this section; or

2

(ii)  the date of the passage of this Commonwealth's

3

budget for fiscal year 2010-2011, the Secretary of the

4

Budget shall certify to the Public School Employees'

5

Retirement Board the amount of money appropriated for

6

public school employees' retirement.

7

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary,

8

the Public School Employees' Retirement Board shall,

9

effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010,

10

recertify to the Secretary of the Budget, within 15 days of

11

the effective date of the Secretary of the Budget's

12

certification to the Public School Employees' Retirement

13

Board of the amount of money appropriated for public school

14

employees' retirement, the employer contributions, rates,

15

factors and amounts set forth in 24 Pa.C.S. § 8502(k), as

16

amended by this act. The recertification rate shall be not

17

less than 5% nor more than 7.58%, plus the premium assistance

18

contribution rate. The recertification shall supersede the

19

prior certification for all purposes. This recertified rate

20

shall not affect the application of the collared contribution

21

rate as set forth in 24 Pa.C.S. § 8328(g).

22

(2)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the

23

contrary, the State Employees' Retirement Board shall,

24

effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010,

25

recertify to the Secretary of the Budget and heads of

26

departments, within 15 days of the effective date of this

27

section, the contributions, rates, factors and amounts set

28

forth in 71 Pa.C.S. § 5902(k), as amended by this act. The

29

recertification shall supersede the prior certification for

30

all purposes.

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1

Section 14.  Certain public officials shall be held harmless,

2

as follows:

3

(1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

4

fiduciary requirement, actuarial standard of practice or

5

other requirement to the contrary, the members of the Public

6

School Employees' Retirement Board, the actuary and other

7

employees and officials of the Public School Employees'

8

Retirement System shall not be held liable or in breach or

9

violation of any law or standard either as individuals or in

10

their official capacity or as a governmental or corporate

11

entity for any action or calculation related to calculating

12

and certifying a final contribution rate as provided for in

13

this act that is different from the actuarially required

14

contribution rate as otherwise appropriately calculated under

15

the provisions of the Public School Employees' Retirement

16

Code.

17

(2)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

18

fiduciary requirement, actuarial standard of practice or

19

other requirement to the contrary, the members of the State

20

Employees' Retirement Board, the actuary and other employees

21

and officials of the State Employees' Retirement System shall

22

not be held liable or in breach or violation of any law or

23

standard either as individuals or in their official capacity

24

or as a governmental or corporate entity for any action or

25

calculation related to calculating and certifying a final

26

contribution rate as provided for in this act that is

27

different from the actuarially required contribution rate as

28

otherwise appropriately calculated under the provisions of

29

the State Employees' Retirement Code.

30

Section 15.  Construction of a calculation or actuarial

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1

method shall be as follows:

2

(1)  Nothing in this act shall be construed or deemed to

3

imply that any calculation or actuarial method used by the

4

Public School Employees' Retirement Board, its actuaries or

5

the Public School Employees' Retirement System was not in

6

accordance with the provisions of the Public School

7

Employees' Retirement Code or other applicable law prior to

8

the effective date of this section.

9

(2)  Nothing in this act shall be construed or deemed to

10

imply that any calculation or actuarial method used by the

11

State Employees' Retirement Board, its actuaries or the State

12

Employees' Retirement System was not in accordance with the

13

provisions of the State Employees' Retirement Code or other

14

applicable law prior to the effective date of this section.

15

Section 16.  Nothing in this act shall be deemed to permit

16

the restoration of service credit or retirement benefits which

17

were the subject of an order of forfeiture pursuant to the act

18

of July 8, 1978 (P.L.752, No.140), known as the Public Employee

19

Pension Forfeiture Act, or subject to section 16 of Article V of

20

the Constitution of Pennsylvania or 42 Pa.C.S. § 3352.

21

Section 17.  Nothing in this act shall be construed or deemed

22

to imply that any interpretation or application of the

23

provisions of 24 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV or benefits available to members

24

of the Public School Employees' Retirement System was not in

25

accordance with the provisions of 24 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV or other

26

applicable law prior to the effective date of this section.

27

Nothing It is the express intent of the General Assembly that

<--

28

nothing in this act shall be construed to grant to or be deemed

<--

29

to imply that any current or former school employees on the

<--

30

effective date of this section possessed this act expands,

<--

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1

contracts or otherwise affects any contractual rights, either

2

expressed or implied, or any other constitutionally protected

3

rights, in the terms and conditions of the Public School

4

Employees' Retirement System or other pension or retirement

5

benefits as a school employee, including, but not limited to,

6

benefits, option options, rights or privileges established by 24

<--

7

Pa.C.S. Pt. IV for any current or former school employees.

<--

8

Section 18.  This act shall be construed and administered in

9

such a manner that the Public School Employees' Retirement

10

System will satisfy the requirements necessary to qualify as a

11

qualified pension plan under section 401(a) and other applicable

12

provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law

13

99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.). The rules, regulations and

14

procedures adopted and promulgated by the Public School

15

Employees' Retirement Board under 24 Pa.C.S. § 8502(h) may

16

include those necessary to accomplish the purpose of this

17

section.

18

Section 19.  (a)  Nothing in this act which amends or

19

supplements provisions of 24 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV shall create in any

20

member of the system or in any other person claiming an interest

21

in the account of any such member a contractual right, either

22

express or implied, in relation to requirements for

23

qualification of the Public School Employees' Retirement System

24

as a qualified pension plan under the Internal Revenue Code of

25

1986 (Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)) nor any

26

construction of 24 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV, as so amended or

27

supplemented, or any rules or regulations adopted under 24

28

Pa.C.S. Pt. IV. The provisions of 24 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV shall remain

29

subject to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the General

30

Assembly reserves to itself such further exercise of its

- 88 -

 


1

legislative power to amend or supplement such provisions as may

2

from time to time be required in order to maintain the

3

qualification of such system as a qualified pension plan under

4

section 401(a) and other applicable provisions of the Internal

5

Revenue Code of 1986. 

6

(b)  References in this act to the Internal Revenue Code of

7

1986, including for this purpose administrative regulations

8

promulgated thereunder, are intended to include such laws and

9

regulations in effect on the effective date of this section and

10

as they may hereafter be amended or supplemented or supplanted

11

by successor provisions.

12

Section 20.  No school employee otherwise a member of,

13

eligible to be a member of, or having school or nonschool

14

service credited in a class of service other than Class T-E or

15

Class T-F may cancel, decline or waive membership in such other

16

class of service in order to obtain Class T-E or Class T-F

17

service credit, become a member of Class T-E or Class T-F or

18

elect Class T-E or Class T-F membership.

19

Section 21.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any

20

change in accrued liability of the Public School Employees'

21

Retirement System created by this act shall be funded as a level

22

percentage of compensation over a period of 30 years beginning

23

July 1, 2012, subject to any limits imposed on employer

24

contributions to the Public School Employees' Retirement System.

25

For purposes of 24 Pa.C.S. §§ 8321, 8326 and 8328, such changes

26

shall not be considered to be costs added by legislation.

27

Section 22.  Notwithstanding any regulation promulgated by

28

the Public School Employees' Retirement Board, application or

29

interpretation of 24 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV, or administrative practice

30

to the contrary, a member's eligibility deriving from Class T-E

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1

or Class T-F service credit for a superannuation annuity or

2

other rights and benefits based upon attaining superannuation

3

age shall require the actual accrual of 35 eligibility points.

4

Section 23.  Nothing in this act shall be construed or deemed

5

to imply that any interpretation or application of the

6

provisions of 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV or benefits available to

7

members of the State Employees' Retirement System was not in

8

accordance with the provisions of 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV or other

9

applicable law prior to the effective date of this section.

10

Nothing It is the express intent of the General Assembly that

<--

11

nothing in this act shall be construed to grant to or be deemed

<--

12

to imply that any current or former State employees on the

<--

13

effective date of this section possessed this act expands,

<--

14

contracts or otherwise affects any contractual rights, either

15

expressed or implied, or any other constitutionally protected

16

rights, in the terms and conditions of the State Employees'

17

Retirement System or other pension or retirement benefits as a

18

State employee, including, but not limited to, benefits,

19

options, rights or privileges established by 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV 

20

for any current or former State employees.

<--

21

Section 24.  This act shall be construed and administered in

22

such a manner that the State Employees' Retirement System will

23

satisfy the requirements necessary to qualify as a qualified

24

pension plan under section 401(a) and other applicable

25

provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law

26

99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.). The rules, regulations and

27

procedures adopted and promulgated by the State Employees'

28

Retirement Board under 71 Pa.C.S. § 5902(h) may include those

29

necessary to accomplish the purpose of this section.

30

Section 25.  (a)  Nothing in this act which amends or

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1

supplements provisions of 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV shall create in any

2

member of the system or in any other person claiming an interest

3

in the account of any such member a contractual right, either

4

express or implied, in relation to requirements for

5

qualification of the State Employees' Retirement System as a

6

qualified pension plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986

7

(Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)) nor any construction of

8

71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV, as so amended or supplemented, or any rules

9

or regulations adopted under 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV. The provisions

10

of 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV shall remain subject to the Internal

11

Revenue Code of 1986, and the General Assembly reserves to

12

itself such further exercise of its legislative power to amend

13

or supplement such provisions as may from time to time be

14

required in order to maintain the qualification of such system

15

as a qualified pension plan under section 401(a) and other

16

applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 

17

(b)  References in this act to the Internal Revenue Code of

18

1986, including for this purpose administrative regulations

19

promulgated thereunder, are intended to include such laws and

20

regulations in effect on the effective date of this section and

21

as they may hereafter be amended or supplemented or supplanted

22

by successor provisions.

23

Section 26.  No State employee otherwise a member of,

24

eligible to be a member of, or having State or nonstate service

25

credited in, a class of service other than Class A-3 may cancel,

26

decline or waive membership in such other class of service in

27

order to obtain Class A-3 or Class A-4 service credit, become a

28

member of Class A-3 or Class A-4 or elect Class A-3 or Class A-4

29

membership.

30

Section 27.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any

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1

change in accrued liability of the State Employees' Retirement

2

System created by this act as a result of changes in benefits

3

shall be funded as a level percentage of compensation over a

4

period of 30 years beginning July 1, 2012 2011, subject to any

<--

5

limits imposed on employer contributions to the State Employees'

6

Retirement System. For purposes of 71 Pa.C.S. §§ 5501.1, 5507

7

and 5508, any such changes shall not be considered to be costs

8

added by legislation.

9

Section 28.  Notwithstanding any regulation promulgated by

10

the State Employees' Retirement Board, application or

11

interpretation of 71 Pa.C.S. Pt. XXV, or administrative practice

12

to the contrary, a member's eligibility deriving from Class A-3

13

or Class A-4 service credit for a superannuation annuity or

14

other rights and benefits based upon attaining superannuation

15

age shall require the actual accrual of 35 eligibility points.

16

Section 29.  This act shall take effect as follows:

17

(1)  The amendment or addition of the following

18

provisions of 24 Pa.C.S. shall take effect July 1, 2011:

19

section 8102;

20

section 8303(c);

21

section 8304(a);

22

section 8305(d) and (e);

23

section 8305.2;

24

section 8307(b);

25

section 8308;

26

section 8323(a), (c) and (c.1);

27

section 8324(a), (d), (e) and (f);

28

section 8326(a);

29

section 8327(a) and (c);

30

section 8328

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1

section 8342(a);

2

section 8344(d);

3

section 8345(a);

4

section 8348.1(f);

5

section 8348.2(f);

6

section 8348.3(f);

7

section 8348.5(f);

8

section 8348.6(f);

9

section 8348.7(f);

10

section 8502(k)

11

section 8505(l); and

12

section 8535(3).

13

(2)  Sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 of this act shall

14

take effect July 1, 2011.

15

(3)  The remainder of this act shall take effect

16

immediately.

- 93 -