Retirement; allow PERS retirees to serve in elective office in same manner as for elected county or municipal offices.

HB 1046 allows members of Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to serve in elected state, district, or local offices while continuing to receive their retirement benefits. It specifically permits retirees to either waive their elected office salary in favor of their retirement allowance or receive up to 25% of their average compensation, provided they file annual written waivers with their employer and the retirement board. The bill amends existing retirement laws to align with these provisions, removing previous restrictions that prevented retirees from holding such offices while drawing benefits. This change directly affects PERS retirees seeking elected office, enabling them to serve without forfeiting retirement income. The policy creates two clear pathways for retirees to hold office while maintaining retirement benefits under defined conditions.