To permit paid county EMS workers to join the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System.

HB 5524 would allow paid county emergency medical services (EMS) workers to join West Virginia's Emergency Medical Services Retirement System. Currently, this system only covers certain EMS personnel, but the bill expands eligibility to include paid county EMS employees under specific circumstances. Key provisions amend retirement code sections to define eligibility, require participating employers to cover related costs proportionally, and address asset transfers. The bill does not change existing retirement benefits but enables new members to participate in the system. This is a policy change affecting county EMS workers' retirement options, not a procedural or commemorative measure.