This summary provides a quick description of legislative bills signed by the Governor as they relate to NDPERS benefits.
Retirement Plans
HB 1112 Firefighter definition
Revises the definition of firefighter to include state firefighters in the NDPERS State Public Safety Retirement Plan.
HB 1113 Payment of administrative fees for the NDPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Gives NDPERS the authority to fund the administrative expenses of the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan by charging participants. More information will be provided to members once the Board determines a fee structure.
HB 1146 Bill related to the closure of the NDPERS Main Defined Benefit Plan
This bill addresses various sections of HB 1040 (Closure of the Main Plan) passed during the previous 68th Legislative Assembly. It allows political subdivisions not participating in NDPERS Retirement to join the NDPERS Defined Contribution Plan. It provides for a lump sum cash infusion in lieu of the Actuarially Determined Employer Contribution (ADEC) if same or higher than ADEC. It defines state employer/state governmental unit for ADEC and the special election window/incentive. It allows for both in-plan and out-of-plan annuity options in the NDPERS Defined Contribution Plan.
HB 1177 Public Safety for non-certified correctional officers
Revises the definition of correctional officer to allow enrollment of non-certified correctional officers serving in a correctional officer capacity but who have not yet completed a correctional officer course approved or certified by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
HB 1234 Main Plan Lump Sum Infusion
Provides for a $25 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to NDPERS for the purpose of reducing the unfunded liability of the Main Defined Benefit Plan. The transfer, which also estimates a $65 million transfer during the 2025-27 biennium, is in lieu of NDPERS charging state governmental units the Actuarily Determined Employer Contribution (ADEC) rate.
HB 1274 State Correctional Officers
Expands participation in the NDPERS Public Safety Retirement Plan to include state correctional officers.
HB 1419 Dispatchers & Emergency Medical Services Personnel
Revises the correctional officer definition and expands eligibility in the Public Safety Retirement Plan to include state dispatchers, as well as, political subdivision dispatchers and emergency medical services personnel.
HB 1602 Political Subdivisions Opting Out of NDPERS Defined Contribution Plan
Allows participating political subdivisions to discontinue their participation in the NDPERS Defined Contribution (DC) Plan starting August 1, 2025. There are no fees assessed to political subdivisions that choose to opt out of the DC Plan.
Opting out of the DC Plan does not impact employees enrolled in the NDPERS Main Defined Benefit Plan prior to its closure on January 1, 2025, nor does it impact current or future participation in the Public Safety Defined Benefit Plans.
SB 2119 Disability Benefit Application
States that a member who has reached normal retirement age or normal retirement date and is eligible for unreduced retirement benefits may not apply for a disability retirement benefit.
SB 2120 Highway Patrol Cash Infusion
Provides for a $15 million cash infusion into the Highway Patrol Retirement Plan.
SB 2121 Technical corrections
Clarifies or corrects various sections of North Dakota Century Code for consistency with federal law and how NDPERS administers the plans.
Health Insurance
HB 1114 Insulin & Diabetic Supplies
Provides for continued $25/month cap for coverage of insulin and diabetic supplies within NDPERS active health insurance plans. .
HB 1216 Out-of-pocket maximum and prescription drugs
This bill requires insurance plans to apply cost associated to drugs without a generic equivalent to out-of-pocket maximum effective January 1, 2026.