Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 36.

Under present law, a person in a position covered by the definition of emergency medical services personnel, police officer or firefighter who is a member of the retirement system, regardless of the person's, police officer's or firefighter's participation in the legacy pension plan, the hybrid plan, or any other alternative plan, is eligible for early service retirement upon attainment of 25 years of creditable service. Present law defines "emergency medical services personnel” as individuals certified or licensed by the emergency medical services board in accordance with various categories and classifications of licenses or certificates that the board establishes. This bill adds to the early service retirement provisions that emergency communications personnel are eligible for early service retirement under the provisions when the employing entity has elected to offer this benefit. This bill specifies that the employing entity is responsible for 100 percent of any increased cost necessary to provide this benefit to the emergency communications personnel. This bill defines "emergency communications personnel" as a person employed as an emergency communications worker, public safety dispatcher, emergency communications telecommunicator, or emergency call taker. This bill will take effect January 1, 2023.