Whereas, Public Law 2001, chapter 439 enacted changes in the retirement eligibility requirements for game wardens and marine patrol officers; and

Whereas, Public Law 2001, chapter 439 prohibits the implementation of the modification of those retirement laws unless and until the Legislature takes additional action to direct payment of the full actuarial costs of that Act to the Maine State Retirement System; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Transfer from Service Retirement Benefit Reserve. In accordance with Public Law 2001, chapter 439, Part GGGG, sections 17 and 18 and notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the State Controller is authorized to transfer $3,613,050 from the Service Retirement Benefit Reserve to the Maine State Retirement System no later than February 1, 2002 to pay the full actuarial costs for the modification of retirement laws in Public Law 2001, chapter 439, Part GGGG, sections 17 and 18.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill transfers funds from the Service Retirement Benefit Reserve to the Maine State Retirement System in order to fund the change in retirement eligibility requirements for game wardens and marine patrol officers.