(1)__If the member had 10 years of service on July 1, 1993, the benefit must be reduced as provided in section 17852, subsection 10, paragraph C, subparagraphs (1) and (2); or

(2)__If the member had fewer than 10 years of creditable service on July 1, 1993, the benefit must be reduced as provided in section 17852, subsection 10, paragraph C-1.

Sec. 5. 5 MRSA §17851-A, sub-§5, as amended by PL 1999, c. 493, §9, is further amended to read:

5. Contributions. Notwithstanding any other provision of subchapter III, after June 30, 1998, for employees identified in subsection 1, paragraphs A to H, and after December 31, 1999, for employees identified in subsection 1, paragraphs I to K and after July 31, 2000 for employees identified in subsection 1, paragraph L, a member in the capacities specified in subsection 1 must contribute to the retirement system or have pick-up contributions made at the rate of 8.65% of earnable compensation until the member has completed 25 years of creditable service as provided in this section and at the rate of 7.65% thereafter.

SUMMARY

This bill provides that an oil and hazardous waste materials worker in the Department of Environmental Protection qualifies for a service retirement benefit if that worker is at least 55 years of age and has completed at least 10 years of creditable service under the 1998 Special Plan of the Maine State Retirement System or has completed at least 25 years of creditable service.