TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 9 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE THAT THE RETIREE EARNINGS LIMITATION DOES NOT APPLY TO A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE SYSTEM RETURNING TO ACTIVE SERVICE FOR A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN CRITICAL NEED OF ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS, AND TO REQUIRE A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO PAY THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION FOR RETIREES HIRED TO MEET A CRITICAL NEED.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Article 1, Chapter 11, Title 9 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 9-11-95.    (A)    A retired member of the system may return to employment covered by the system without affecting the monthly retirement allowance he is receiving from the system if the retired member is restored to active service by an employer that is in critical need of qualified police officers within the employer's jurisdiction.

(B)    The employer shall pay to the system the employer contribution for active members prescribed by law with respect to any retired member engaged to perform services for the employer, regardless of whether the retired member is a full-time, part-time, temporary, or permanent employee."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.