TABLE 1: KERS/CERS NONHAZARDOUS NEW MEMBERS

Provisions for New Members Effective July 1, 2018

Current Tier III Benefits New Member Proposed
Provision (Members in system on or after January 1, 2014) (New Members on or after July 1, 2018)
Plan Type Cash Balance (DB)/Retiree Health Benefits Defined Contribution Plan/Retiree Health Benefits
Plan Administration Kentucky Retirement Systems/Kentucky Retirement Public Employees Retirement System (managed by.
Systems Deferred Comp.)/Kentucky Retirement Systems
Investment Kentucky Retirement Systems/Kentucky Retirement Member via Ky. Deferred Comp. investment
Responsibility Systems options/ Kentucky Retirement Systems
Employee 5% to cash balance plan (KRS) 3% Mandatory + voluntary (defined contribution)
Contribution 1% to retiree health (KRS) 4% to retiree health (KERS/CERS)
6% total 7% or more
Note: New Employee auto-enrolled at 6% voluntary contribution
to get max. employer match but employee may change.
Employer Normal cost Defined Contribution
Contribution (to fund 2% Mandatory + 50% match on employee
future accruals) voluntary contributions up to 3%
Retiree Health
Normal Cost
Pension/Retirement Benefit based upon an accumulated account balance which Benefit Based upon account balance which
Benefit includes: includes employee/employer contributions and
5% employee contribution (see above) return on investment.
4% employer credit PERS board has option of offering annuitization
Interest credit based on prior year account balance. For through private companies.
employees: 4% credit + 75% of 5-yr avg. return above 4%.
Inactives (not employed): 4%.
Retiring employee may choose to annuitize accumulated
account balance based upon assumptions set by board.
No sick leave service credit/limited service purchases No sick leave service credit/no service purchases
Retirement Rule of 87: Age + service must equal 87 years at Not applicable to defined contribution plans
Age/Service retirement w/ min. age 57; or
Age 65 w/5 years of service.
Automatic COLA Not applicable Not applicable
Disability/Death Disability Benefits Account balance in defined contribution plan.
Benefits Minimum 5 years service to apply Personnel Cabinet to establish optional disability
Benefit Calculation-Higher of benefit calculated using and death benefits for employees participating in
account balance or 20% of member's final pay. PERS, including short-term disability, long-term
Death Benefits (Before Retirement) disability benefits, life insurance, and disability or
Based upon account balance. Beneficiary may receive death in the in the line of duty (LOD). Cost paid
annuitized monthly benefit if the deceased employee: by employee.
Was eligible to retire; or
Had 5 year service and was working; or
Had 12 years of service and was not working.
Death Benefits (After Retirement)
Benefit payable to beneficiary based upon payment
option selected at retirement.
$5,000 Death benefit if retired w/ 4 or more yrs. service.
Special line of duty disability/death benefits also provided.
Contribution Vesting Employee Contributions & investment credit: Immediate Employee Contribution & Investment: Immediate
Employer & Investment Credit: 5 years. Employer & Investments: 5 years.
Retiree Health Eligibility: Must have 15 yrs earned service at retirement Same except new members: (1) must be at least
Benefits & must be drawing a monthly annuitized benefit. age 59 to receive subsidy; (2) must be receiving a
Subsidy: Benefit of $10 per month for each year of mo. distribution or annuitized pmt. from PERS; and
earned service without regard to maximum dollar (3) must have participated in a state-ret. system
amount; adjusted by 1.5% annually. within 24 mos. before applying for health benefits.
 TABLE 2: KERS/CERS NONHAZARDOUS EXISTING MEMBERS
Provisions for Current Members Effective July 1, 2018
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Tier III Participate in Tier III benefits noted in Table 1. Will participate in New Hire Plan (PERS) noted in Table 1; Tier III
account balance will rollover into PERS plan.
Tier I/II Max. Accrual No maximum defined benefit For Tier I/II members, maximum KERS/CERS pension benefit
in KERS/CERS accrual is amount at unreduced retirement eligibility (service
credit & retirement compensation frozen at that date):
Tier I: 27 years or age 65 w/4 years
Tier II: Rule of 87 w/min age 57 or age 65 w/5 years of service.
Members exceeding this threshold on July 1, 2018, shall on July
1, 2018 participate in PERS and pay employee contribution rates
applicable to PERS. For all others, PERS participation begins in
the month following the date in which the member exceeds the
max accrual. Retiree health contribution continue based on
Tier. No service purchases after 7/1/18.
Max accrual does not apply to: (1) service purchases being made
on installments on July 1, 2018; (2) sick leave service credit at
retirement; and (3) Comp. time paid to tier I members who
retire on or before July 1, 2023 (payout already does not apply
to Tier II). Comp. payouts would go into last year. Members
would still be able to apply for disability benefits from KRS.
Tier I/II/III/PERS Item Tier I Tier II Tier III Item Tier I Tier II PERS
Employee Pension 5% 5% 5% Pension/PERS (see Table 1) 5% 5% 3%+
Contribution Rate Retiree Health 0% 1% 1% Retiree Health 3% 4% 4%
Total 5% 6% 6% Total 8% 9% 7%+
Final Compensation Tier I: Highest 5 years; may be partial years; Tier I: For retirements on or after July 1, 2018, highest 5 must
Calculation must contain at least 48 months be complete fiscal years; must contain at least 60 months.
Tier II: Last five complete fiscal years. Tier II: No change
Pension Spiking Tier I Comp. Time Pmts: Included in Tier I Comp. Time Pmts: For Tier I retiring after July 1, 2023,
Provisions creditable compensation (Tier II already comp. time paid upon termination of employment not part of
excluded by prior leg. change) creditable compensation.

Max. Creditable Compensation: None Max. Creditable Compensation: For creditable compensation
earned on or after July 1, 2018, limited to max. taxable
earnings under Social Security (currently $127,200 in 2017).
Employee contributions refunded on excess creditable comp.
above max. but employer contributions remain in fund to help
pay down unfunded liability.
Equipment/Uniform Allowances: Included Equipment/Uniform Allowances: Excluded on creditable
compensation earned on or after July 1, 2018.
Sick Leave Tier I Tier I/Tier II: Sick leave service converted cannot exceed
KERS-All sick leave converted to additional amount for accumulated sick leave as of June 30, 2018; Tier I
service credit; can be used for retirement sick leave service credit does not count towards retirement
eligibility. eligibility for those retiring on or after July 1, 2018.
CERS-sick leave generally converted to
additional service credit based on program
adopted by employer; can be used for
retirement eligibility.
Tier II
KERS/CERS: Limited to max. of 12 months;
cannot be used for retirement eligibility.
Retiree Health Provided to anyone if they are eligible for Effective for retirements on or after July 1, 2018, must have
Accessibility retiree health benefits and are receiving a contributed to a state-adm. retirement systems within last 24
monthly pension benefit. months prior to accessing benefits.
 TABLE 3: SPRS & KERS/CERS HAZARDOUS EXISTING MEMBERS/RETIRED MEMBERS
Provisions for Current/New Members Effective July 1, 2018
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Tier III Members Provided hybrid cash balance plan applicable to No change, except hazardous members may elect to
hazardous duty members. participate in the PERS plan applicable to Tier III
nonhazardous members and have their account balance
rolled into PERS plan.
Tier I/II Max. Accrual No maximum defined benefit No change
in KERS/CERS
Tier I/II/III Employee Item Tier I Tier II Tier III Item Tier I Tier II Tier III
Contribution Rate Pension 8% 8% 8% Pension 8% 8% 8%
Retiree Health 0% 1% 1% Retiree Health 3% 4% 4%
Total 8% 9% 9% Total 11% 12% 12%
Final Compensation Tier I: Highest 3 years; may be partial years; must Tier I: For retirements on or after July 1, 2018, highest 3
Calculation contain at least 24 months must be complete fiscal years; must contain at least 36
months
Tier II: Highest 3 complete fiscal years Tier II: No change
Pension Spiking Tier I Comp. Pmts: Included Tier I Comp. Pmts: No change
Provisions (Tier II already excluded by prior leg. change)

Max. Creditable Compensation: None Max. Creditable Compensation: For creditable

compensation earned on or after July 1, 2018, limited to
max. taxable earnings under Social Security (currently
$127,200 in 2017). Employee contributions refunded on
excess creditable comp. above max. but employer
contributions remain in fund to help pay down
unfunded liability.
Equipment/Uniform Allowances: Included Equipment/Uniform Allowances: Excluded on creditable
compensation earned on or after July 1, 2018.
Sick Leave Tier I Tier I/Tier II: Sick leave service converted cannot exceed
KERS/SPRS-All sick leave converted to additional amount for accumulated sick leave as of June 30, 2018;
service credit; can be used toward retirement Tier I sick leave service credit does not count towards
eligibility. retirement eligibility for those retiring on or after July 1,
CERS-sick leave converted to additional service 2018.
credit based upon program adopted by employer;
can be used toward retirement eligibility.
Tier II
KERS/SPRS/CERS: Limited to max. of 12 months;
cannot be used toward retirement eligibility.
Retiree Health Provided to anyone if they are eligible for retiree Effective for retirements on or after July 1, 2018, must
Accessibility health benefits and are receiving a monthly pension have contributed to a state-adm. retirement systems
benefit. within last 24 months prior to accessing benefits.
Line of Duty Death Current statute provides that the surviving spouse Provides that if the hazardous member dies in the line of
shall receive line of duty death benefits if the duty and has a surviving spouse, the surviving spouse shall
surviving spouse is named as sole principal supersede all previous beneficiary designations. Non-
beneficiary. codified section makes changes applicable to any
hazardous duty member who died in the line of duty
after January 1, 2017.
 TABLE 4: KERS/CERS/SPRS NONHAZARDOUS/HAZARDOUS REEMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT
Provisions for Current/New Retirees Effective July 1, 2018
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Reemployment After For retirees reemployed on or after September 1, For nonhazardous retires who retire on or after July 1,
Retirement: 2008 with a KERS or CERS employer: 2018, who are reemployed by a KERS, CERS, SPRS, or TRS
Nonhazardous 1. Must have 3 mo. break in employment & no employer on or after July 1, 2018:
prearranged agreement, otherwise retirement is 1. Must have 6 mo. break in employment & no
voided. prearranged agreement, otherwise retirement is
2. Provided break is observed, member can return voided.
to work in part-time or full-time position, 2. Provided break is observed, member can return to
continue drawing a monthly pension benefit, but work in part-time or full-time position, but their
cannot earn second retirement account. monthly pension benefit will be suspended for the
3. No employee contribution required but employer duration of reemployment if the position if full-
must contribute and pay reimbursements for time, except for individuals who are elected to a
retiree health on full-time employees, except: public office or who are appointed by the Governor
a. Employer contributions and retiree to a position*. Member cannot earn second
health reimbursements are not payable retirement account for reemployment.
for qualifying employees of sheriffs 3. No employee or employer contributions required on
offices and city police departments. period of reemployment.
b. Retiree health reimbursements are not
payable for classified employees of local *Full-time for reemployment is defined as average of
school boards who work less than 80 100 or more hours per month over a fiscal or calendar
days per year. year basis, except for classified/certified school board
full-time is more than 100 days.
Reemployment After For hazardous retirees reemployed on or after For hazardous retires who retire on or after July 1, 2018,
Retirement: September 1, 2008 in a full-time hazardous position who are reemployed KERS, CERS, SPRS, or TRS employer
Hazardous with a KERS, CERS, or SPRS employer: on or after July 1, 2018 (regardless of position):
1. Must have 1 mo. break in employment & no 1. Must have 1 mo. break in employment & no
prearranged agreement, otherwise retirement is prearranged agreement, otherwise retirement is
voided. voided.
2. Provided break is observed, member can return 2. Provided break is observed, member can return to
to work in part-time or full-time position, work in part-time or full-time position, can continue
continue drawing a monthly pension benefit, but drawing a monthly pension benefit during
cannot earn second retirement account. reemployment, but cannot earn second retirement
account.
3. No employee contribution required but employer 3. Employee contributions and employer normal
must contribute and pay reimbursements for contributions required on period of reemployment
retiree health on FT employees, except employer and paid to system in which the employee last
contributions and retiree health reimbursements participated prior to retirement.
are not payable for qualifying employees of
sheriffs offices and city police departments.

TABLE 5: KERS/CERS/SPRS EMPLOYER FUNDING/PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Current and Proposed Funding/Participation Provisions
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
ARC calculation The actuarially required contribution (ARC) is The actuarially required contribution (ARC), for the 2017
(pension & retiree based on: valuation and after, is based on:
health) Normal cost + pmt. on unfunded liability Normal cost + pmt. on unfunded liability
Normal cost determined using Entry Age Normal cost determined using Entry Age Normal Cost Method;
Normal Cost Method; paid as a % of payroll paid as a % of payroll
Unfunded liability payment determined: Unfunded liability payment determined:
o Using closed 30 year closed amortization o Using closed 30 year closed amortization period (reset and
period (starting in 2013 valuation); starting in 2017 valuation);
o Level percent of payroll amortization o Level dollar amortization method.
method (with KRS board determining
assumed % growth in payroll).
 o Paid as a % of payroll o Cost paid as a dollar value, prorated to each employer based
5 year market smoothing of assets (policy) upon employers share of total payroll in FY 15, 16, and 17,
KERS/SPRS rates change every two years; adjusted for any employer who ceases participation.
CERS every year 5 year market smoothing of assets (statute).
KERS/CERS/SPRS rates change every year.
CERS Phase-In No phase-in to full ARC for CERS 4-year phase-in with same ARC paid in FY 19 as was paid in FY 18
and then using as a base, increase the amount so that:
1/3 of the additional amount above this paid in FY 20;
2/3 of the additional amount above this paid in FY 21;
The full amount is paid in FY 22 and beyond.
Agency Voluntary Statute currently allows certain non- Same except the following additional agencies have a 2-year
Cessation of stock/non-profit or quasi-governmental window to voluntarily cease participating in the systems by
Participation agencies in KERS/CERS to voluntarily cease paying full actuarial costs to do so (by July 1, 2020):
participation provided they pay the full o Universities & community colleges in KERS; and
actuarial costs of ceasing participation. o Any agency in CERS with the exception of circuit clerks and
Agencies voluntarily/involuntarily ceasing school boards.
participation must establish an alternative Agencies voluntarily/involuntarily ceasing participation in the
retirement plan. future may only establish a defined contribution plan.

TABLE 6: LEGISLATORS RETIREMENT PLAN

Current and Proposed Provisions
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Administration LRP adm. by Judicial Form Effective July 1, 2018, administration of LRP will be transferred to the Kentucky
Retirement System (JFRS) Retirement Systems (KRS) board who currently administers KERS, CERS, & SPRS.
board.
Participation in Plan open to current and new Effective July 1, 2018, the LRP plan is:
LRP/Max Accrual members who have or will Closed to new members.
elect to participate in LRP; For those members who began participating in LRP on or after January 1, 2014,
Benefit cannot exceed 100% and are participating in the hybrid cash balance plan in LRP:
of final compensation. o Shall have their account balance rolled into PERS and participate in PERS for
future service to GA (same as KERS NH Tier III); and
o Will participate in the KERS NH retiree health benefits (any service credit/funds
accumulated for retiree health in LRP will be transferred to KERS NH).
For those members who began participating in LRP prior to January 1, 2014, and
who are participating in the defined benefit plan in LRP on June 30, 2018:
o Shall not accrue any additional service/benefits in LRP on or after July 1, 2018.
o If the member has accrued an unreduced benefit in LRP as of June 30, 2018 (27
years of service or normal retirement age with at least 5 years of service), the
member shall on or after July 1, 2018, participate in PERS for retirement benefits
and will participate in the KERS NH for any future retiree health benefit accruals.
o If the member has not accrued an unreduced benefit in LRP as of June 30, 2018
(27 years of service or normal retirement age with at least 5 years of service), the
member shall participate in the KERS NH defined benefit plan on or after July 1,
2018 (until reaching the max. accrual in KERS NH) and will participate in the KERS
NH for any future retiree health benefit accruals.
Eff. July 1, 2018, LRP members shall pay same employee contributions as KERS NH
members (due to future participation in KERS NH/PERS).
ARC calculation Based upon methods Provisions applicable to KERS/SPRS apply to LRP for the 2017 valuation and after
prescribed by KRS 21.525. (see Table 5).
Pension Spiking Members contributing to LRP Members who retired prior to July 1, 2018, who had their LRP benefits calculated
on or after 6/20/05 but prior based upon salary earned in another state-administered retirement system or plan
to 1/1/14, can use salary shall on July 1, 2018, have their benefits recalculated so that benefits payable from
earned in another state-adm. LRP on or after July 1, 2018, are based solely upon legislative salary.
retirement system or plan to Future LRP retirees shall have their benefits calculated based solely upon
calculate their LRP benefits. legislative salary.
Reemployment No specific provisions Members retiring from the Legislators Retirement Plan on or after July 1, 2018,
After Retirement prohibiting reemployment who are reemployed on or after July 1, 2018, shall be subject to the retired
after retirement. reemployed provisions applicable to KERS NH retirees under Table 4.
Retiree Health Provided to anyone if they are Effective for retirements on or after July 1, 2018, must have contributed to a state-
Accessibility eligible for retiree health adm. retirement systems within last 24 months prior to accessing benefits.
benefits and are receiving a
monthly pension benefit.

TABLE 7: JUDICIAL RETIREMENT PLAN

Current and Proposed Provisions
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Administration JRP administered by the Judicial Form Effective July 1, 2018, administration of JRP will be transferred to
Retirement System (JFRS) board. the Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) board who currently
administers KERS, CERS, & SPRS.
Participation in Plan open to current and new members who Effective July 1, 2018, the JRP plan is:
JRP have or will elect to participate in JRP. Closed to new members.
For those members who began participating in JRP on or after
January 1, 2014, and are participating in the hybrid cash balance
plan in JRP:
o Shall have their account balance rolled into PERS and participate
in PERS for future service to GA (same as KERS NH Tier III); and
o Will participate in the KERS NH retiree health benefits (any
service credit/funds accumulated for retiree health in JRP will be
transferred to KERS NH).
Max Accrual Benefit cannot exceed 100% of final Same but max benefit accrual is benefit accrued at unreduced
compensation. retirement eligibility of 27 years or Normal Retirement Age w/5
years (service credit & retirement compensation frozen at that
date).
Members who have exceeded this threshold as of July 1, 2018,
shall on July 1, 2018 participate in PERS and pay employee
contribution rates applicable to PERS (see Table 1). For all others,
PERS participation begins in the month following the date in
which the member exceeds the max accrual. Retiree health
benefits and contribution rates in JRP continue after threshold has
been met.
Max accrual does not apply to service purchases being made on
installments on July 1, 2018. Members would still be able to apply
for disability benefits from JRP. No service purchases after 7/1/18.
Pre-2014 Part. Prior to Part. On or
Member: Item 9/1/08 after 9/1/08 Item Part. Prior to 9/1/08 Part. On or after 9/1/08
Employee Pension 5% 6% Pension* 5% 6%
Contribution Rate Retiree Health 0% 0% Retiree Health 3% 3%
Total 5% 6% Total 8% 9%
*Pension rates no longer apply once member is at max accrual rates
and begins participating in PERS.
ARC calculation Based upon methods prescribed by KRS Provisions applicable to KERS/SPRS apply to JRP for the 2017
21.525. valuation and after (see Table 5).
Reemployment No specific provisions prohibiting Members retiring from the Judicial Retirement Plan on or after
After Retirement reemployment after retirement. July 1, 2018, who are reemployed on or after July 1, 2018, shall be
subject to the retired reemployed provisions applicable to KERS
NH retirees under Table 4.
Retiree Health Provided to anyone if they are eligible for Effective for retirements on or after July 1, 2018, must have
Accessibility retiree health benefits and are receiving a contributed to a state-adm. retirement systems within last 24
monthly pension benefit. months prior to accessing benefits.
 TABLE 8: TRS NEW MEMBERS
Provisions for New Members Effective July 1, 2018
Current New Member Benefits New Member Proposed
Provision (Members in system on or after July 1, 2008) (New Members on or after July 1, 2018)
Plan Type Defined Benefit Pension/Retiree Health Benefits Defined Contribution Plan/Retiree Health Benefits
Plan Teachers Retirement System/Teachers Retirement System Teachers Retirement System & PERS (managed by.
Administration Deferred Comp.)/ Teachers Retirement System
Investment Teachers Retirement System/Teachers Retirement System Member via Ky. Deferred Comp. investment
Responsibility options/ Teachers Retirement System.
Employee Item Nonuniversity University Nonuniversity TRS 401(a) plan mandatory + PERS
Contribution Pension 9.105% 7.625% Voluntary + TRS Retiree Health
Retiree Health 3.75% 2.775% +9% Mandatory TRS 401(a) plan
+Voluntary PERS contributions
Total 12.855% 10.4%
+6.75% to retiree health
Note: University employers have opted to pay 2.215% of the employee
contribution via KRS 161.565 which results in an employee rate at 8.185% . 15.75% or more
Note: New Nonuniversity employees auto-enrolled at 3%
voluntary PERS contribution but no employer match.
University (PERS +TRS Retiree Health)
+3% Mandatory + voluntary (defined contribution)
+5.775% to retiree health
8.775% or more
Note: New university employees auto-enrolled at 6% voluntary
PERS contribution to get max. employer match but employee
may change. New university employees can still opt into
university optional retirement plan (ORP), which is a defined
contribution plan.
Employer Normal cost Nonuniversity Defined Contribution (401(a) plan)
Contribution (to 6% mandatory (401(a) plan)
fund future University Defined Contribution (PERS)
accruals) 2% Mandatory + 50% match on employee
voluntary contributions up to 3%
Retiree Health
Normal Cost
Pension/ Pension Benefit Based On FAS X Benefit Factors X Yrs Service Benefit Based upon account balance which
Retirement Final Average Salary (FAS) includes employee/employer contributions and
Benefit Avg. of highest 5 years of salary; or return on investment.
Avg. of the highest 3 years of salary if the member is age 55 PERS board has option of offering annuitization
or more with at least 27 years of Kentucky service credit. through private companies for both 401(a) and
Upon retirement, school employees are compensated for up to 30% of their PERS account balances.
sick leave balance which is included in their last year of salary.
Nonuniversity Benefit Factor
Years of Service Factor
10 or less 1.70%
Greater than 10, but no more than 20 2.00%
Greater than 20, but no more than 26 2.30%
Greater than 26, but no more than 30 2.50%
Additional years above 30 3.00%
University Benefit Factor
Years of Service Factor
10 or less 1.50%
Greater than 10, but no more than 20 1.70%
Greater than 20, but no more than 27 1.85%
27 or more 2.00%
Retirement Unreduced Benefit Reduced Benefit Not applicable to defined contribution plans
Age/Service Age 60/5 years of service or Age 55/10 years of service
Any age/ 27 years of service
Automatic COLA 1.5% annually Not applicable
Disability/Death Disability Benefits Account balance in defined contribution plan.
Benefits Minimum 5 years service to apply for benefits Personnel Cabinet to establish optional disability
Benefit Calculation and death benefits for employees participating in
o Entitlement Period: For 5 years, benefit is higher of 60% of PERS/TRS 401(a) plan, including short-term
final compensation or actual benefit based upon service. disability, long-term disability benefits, life
o Post-Entitlement Period: During the entitlement period, insurance, and disability or death in the in the
the member earns service credit (not to exceed 5 years or line of duty (LOD). Cost paid by employee.
27 when combined with earned years of service). If they
remain disabled at the end of the 5 year period, then the
service is added to the service they earned while working
and their benefit if recomputed using the formula.
Minimum of $500/month benefit.
Death Benefits (Before Retirement)
Surviving spouse receives the higher of:
o $180 or 240 per month depending upon spouse income
(regardless of actual service and paid until remarried) or
o Monthly benefit for life calculated based upon service at
the time of death if the deceased employee was eligible to
retire or had at least 10 years of service.
Dependent children also eligible for minimum benefit ranging
from $200 (1 child) to $440 (4+ children) per month (payable
until age 19 if in school or 23 if in college).
Payments also available to dependent
parents/siblings/disabled children over age 19/23
$2,000 life insurance policy for each active employee in TRS
position.
Death Benefits (After Retirement)
Benefit payable to beneficiary based upon payment option
selected at retirement.
$5,000 Life insurance benefit if retired w/ 4 or more yrs.
service.
Special line of duty disability/death benefits also provided.
Contribution Employee Contribution Account: Immediate Employee Contribution & Investment: Immediate
Vesting Employer & Investments: 5 years.
Retiree Health Eligibility: Must have 15 yrs earned service at retirement & Same except new members: (1) must be at least
Benefits must be drawing a monthly annuitized benefit. age 59 to receive subsidy; (2) must be receiving a
Subsidy: Benefit based upon subsidy established by TRS monthly distribution or annuitized pmt. from
board. 401(a) money purchase plan or PERS; and (3) must
have participated in a state-ret. system within 24
mos. before applying for health benefits.
Sick Leave/Service Sick Leave: See Table 9 for description. Sick leave payment do not impact retirement
Purchase benefits/no service credit for sick leave/no service
purchases.
 TABLE 9: TRS EXISTING MEMBERS/RETIRED MEMBERS
Provisions for Current Members/Annuitants Effective July 1, 2018
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Contributing Provided benefits in the defined benefit plan at TRS. May elect to participate in the benefits applicable to new
members with less members which includes the 401(a) money purchase plan
than 5 years service for nonuniversity employees or the PERS plan for
university employees. The members accumulated
contributions would be transferred to the new plans.
Max Accrual No maximum defined benefit. For existing members, maximum TRS pension benefit
accrual is benefit at unreduced retirement eligibility,
which is 27 years of service or age 60 with 5 years service
(service credit & retirement compensation frozen at that
date), except that nonuniversity members who have
exceeded this threshold as of July 1, 2018, may elect to
contribute 3 additional years in the pension plan.
Members who have met or exceeded this threshold as of
July 1, 2018, shall on July 1, 2018 participate in TRS 401(a)
if they are nonuniversity employees and PERS if they are
university employees and pay employee contribution
rates applicable to the TRS 401(a)/PERS plans. For all
others, TRS 401(a)/PERS participation begins in the month
following the date in which the member exceeds the max
accrual. Retiree health contribution to TRS continue. No
service purchases after 7/1/18.
Max accrual does not apply to: (1) service purchases being
made on installments on July 1, 2018; (2) sick leave
service credit at retirement; and (3) Sick leave paid to
teachers who retire on or before July 1, 2023 Sick payouts
would go into last year. Members would still be able to
apply for disability benefits from TRS.
Employee Item Nonuniversity University Item Nonuniversity University
Contribution Rate Pension 9.105% 7.625% Pension 9.105% 7.625%
Retiree Health 3.75% 2.775% Retiree Health 6.75% 5.775%
Total 12.855% 10.4% Total 15.855% 13.4%
Note: University employers have opted to pay 2.215% of the Nonuniversity members who have exceeded max
employee contribution via KRS 161.565 which results in an
employee rate at 8.185% .
accrual threshold on July 1, 2018, shall discontinue
contributing to the TRS pension fund and shall pay a
mandatory employee contribute 10% of pay to the TRS
401(a) money purchase plan and will receive a
mandatory employer contribution to the 401(a) plan of
8%. Those who exceed the threshold after that date will
pay a mandatory/voluntary employee contributions and
receive employer contributions provided to new TRS
members.
University members who have exceeded max accrual
threshold on or after July 1, 2018, shall discontinue
contributing to the TRS pension fund and contribute to
the PERS at the same level as a KERS/CERS
Nonhazardous new hire (see Table 1).
Retiree health contributions continue until retirement.
Final Average Salary Final Average Salary (FAS) Final Average Salary (FAS)
(FAS) Avg. of highest 5 years of salary; or Avg. of highest 5 years of salary; or
Avg. of the highest 3 years of salary if the member Avg. of the highest 3 years of salary if the member is age
is age 55 or more with at least 27 years of 55 or more with at least 27 years of Kentucky service
Kentucky service credit. credit, and provided the member retires on or before
July 1, 2023.
Sick Leave Teachers: Statute specifies minimum requirements Teachers: Effective July 1, 2018, statutory minimum
for sick leave policies at local school districts and requirements for school board sick leave policies
allows school districts to pay up to 30% of a removed from statute. School districts can still pay up
retiring members sick leave which for retirement to 30% of sick leave per statute but will only be included
purposes is included in the final year of salary and in retirement calculations for those retiring on or before
is used to calculate the Final Average Salary (FAS). July 1, 2023.
Others: Employer may pay costs to convert Others: Same but level of sick leave frozen at level
accumulated sick leave to additional service credit accrued as of June 30, 2018. No additional agencies may
(school districts have the option as well but have elect to provide service credit for accumulated sick
chosen to pay for sick leave at retirement as noted leave.
above).
Pension Spiking Max. Retirement Compensation: None Max. Retirement Compensation: For retirement
Provisions compensation earned on or after July 1, 2018, limited to
max. taxable earnings under Social Security (currently
$127,400 in 2017). Employee contributions refunded on
excess creditable comp. above max. but employer
contributions remain in fund to help pay down
unfunded liability.
Annual leave payments for those in system Annual leave payments for those in system prior to July
prior to July 1, 2008, may be included for FAS 1, 2008, may be included for FAS calculation, but only if
calculation. they retire on or before July 1, 2023.
COLA 1.5% annually For current retirees, suspends COLA for next 5 years
(FY 18 to FY 22), then returns to 1.5% annually.
For future retirees, suspends COLA for first 5 years of
retirement, the 1.5% annually.
3% Benefit Factor for Provides a 3% benefit factor for nonuniversity Eliminates provision for future service accruals, except for
years above 30 employees for years of service in excess of 30. those nonuniversity employees who elect to participate in
DB plan through FY 2021.
Part-time/Substitute Provides service credit/benefits for part- Same but not applicable to new members on or after July
Program time/substitute members. 1, 2018, or to retirees who retire on or after July 1, 2018,
and are reemployed on or after July 1, 2018.
Retiree Health Provided to anyone if they are eligible for retiree Must have contributed to a state-adm. retirement
Accessibility health benefits and are receiving a monthly pension systems within last 24 months prior to accessing benefits.
benefit.
 TABLE 10: TRS EMPLOYER FUNDING/PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Current and Proposed Funding/Participation Provisions
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
ARC calculation Employers pay a fixed base statutory Retains the fixed based statutory rates.
(pension & retiree contribution rate of 13.105% of pay
health) (nonuniversity) and 13.65% of pay (university)
to fund pension and retiree health benefits.
Note: University have also agreed to pay 2.215% that of the
employee contribution rate (not included). State pays for all
non-federally funded employees of school districts in biennial
budget (nonuniversity).

Nonuniversity (i.e. school districts) employers School district/other employer contribution will effective
also pay a 3% employer contribution to help July 1, 2018, help fund pension benefits instead of retiree
fund retiree health benefits. health benefits. School districts will also pay an additional
2% of pay for new members and members who exceed the
max threshold after July 1, 2018 to help fund 401(a) money
purchase plan benefits.
State makes direct contributions to TRS for State continues to make direct contributions to TRS for
amortized pmts. for past benefit improvements amortized pmts. for past benefit improvements such as ad
such as ad hoc COLAs awarded in past years hoc COLAs awarded in past years and the cost for including
and the cost for including teachers sick leave teachers sick leave payments in pension calculations; and
payments in pension calculations; and portion portion of shared solution retiree health funding.
of shared solution retiree health funding.
TRS has also requested additional funding from ARC payment to be specified in statute.
state appropriations to meet ARC from
valuation (ARC not specified in statute).
Methods, amortization periods, and asset For pension and life insurance funds, sets the ARC for 2017
smoothing used to determine ARC set by board valuation and after:
policy with normal cost, pmt. unfunded o Normal cost + pmt. on unfunded liability
liability, level % of pay amortization method, o Normal cost determined using Entry Age Normal Cost
etc. Method; paid as a % of payroll
o Unfunded liability payment determined:
-Using closed 30 year closed amortization period (starting
in 2017 valuation);
-Level dollar amortization method.
-Pmt. for unfunded liability above fixed base employer
rate is set dollar value, prorated to each employer based
upon employers share of total payroll in FY 15, 16, and
17, adjusted for any employer who ceases participation.
The state will pay the costs for local school districts.
o 5 year market smoothing of assets

TRS rates change every year but have a 3 year Rate changes annually based upon most recent actuarial
lag (i.e. 2016 valuation determines FY 2019 valuation.
employer costs).
Agency Voluntary No voluntary/involuntary cessation of Provides a 2-year window for non-school/non-state agency
Cessation of participation for TRS agencies. employers (i.e. universities/associations) to voluntarily
Participation cease participating in the systems by paying full actuarial
costs to do so (by July 1, 2020):
Allows TRS to require an agency to involuntarily cease
participating in TRS and pays costs of ceasing participation
if the agency fails to pay contributions or is not eligible to
participate in a governmental plan.
Provides provisions whereby Agencies
voluntarily/involuntarily ceasing participation in the future
may only establish a defined contribution plan.
 TABLE 11: KENTUCKY EMPLOYEES DEFERRED COMPENSATION AUTHORITY (KDC)/PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PERS) ADMINISTRATION
Current and Proposed Provisions
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
KDC Board 7 member board consisting of: 11 member board consisting of:
(also PERS board in o Sec. of Finance; Sec. of Personnel; State o Sec. of Finance; Sec. of Personnel; State Controller;
bill) Controller; and and
o 4 Gov. appointees, 1 of which shall have 5 years of o 8 Gov. appointees, who cannot have a conflict of
banking/investment experience. interest, of which: five shall have 5 years of
investment experience (two of which are appointed
from lists submitted by KLC, KACO); one shall
represents retired teachers; one who is a retired
judge or justice appointed from lists submitted by
Chief Justice; and one appointed from a list
submitted jointly by the President & Speaker.
Not under jurisdiction of Public Pension Oversight Under jurisdiction of Public Pension Oversight Board
Board (PPOB). (PPOB).
KDC board members not subject to Executive KDC/PERS board members subject to Executive Branch
Branch Code of Ethics. Code of Ethics.
No specific conflict of interest provisions in statute Establishes specific conflict of interest provisions in
for employees/trustees of KDC board. statute for employees/trustees. Provides that no
State Treasurer serves as custodian of KDC funds. member of General Assembly, public servant, trustee
or employee of KDC/PERS board shall have any interest
in the business of KDC/PERS while employed/serving
and for a period of 5 years following
employment/service (starting from July 1, 2017).
State Treasurer serves as custodian KDC/PERS selects custodian of funds.
Collection of funds KDC responsible for collection of KRS/TRS responsible for collections of
for PERS/401(a) employee/employer contributions of funds employee/employer contributions for PERS/401(a)
money purchase plan money purchase plan until such time that KDC/PERS
determines they will collect contributions.

TABLE 12: INVIOLABLE CONTRACT PROVISIONS

Current and Proposed Provisions
PROVISION CURRENT PROPOSED
Current retirement KERS/CERS/SPRS/LRP/JRP, specifically limited by For TRS, specifically limited for new members on or
systems. 2013 legislation for new members on or after after July 1, 2018, except for account balance in 401(a)
1/1/14, except for account balance the member has money purchase plan or PERS.
accrued in the hybrid cash balance. For KERS/CERS/SPRS/LRP/JRP/TRS, exempts any
TRS: no changes from 2013 legislation. changes made to statutory provisions on or after July
1, 2018.
PERS Not applicable Benefits in PERS not considered an inviolable
contract.