An Act relative to retirement benefits for veterans

This bill allows veterans who retired before July 24, 1996, from state or local retirement systems to count their military service toward retirement benefits. Veterans may receive credit for up to four years of active military service (or National Guard/Reserve service at a 5:1 ratio - five years of guard/reserve service equals one year of active duty), but this credit cannot exceed 80% of their retirement benefit. Local retirement systems must approve the change via vote, though state systems like teachers' and employees' plans automatically adopt it. The bill specifically excludes service already counted under prior provisions.