Enacts new Article 12G to GS Chapter 143 for the purpose as the title indicates. Defines the following terms as they are used in the Article: (1) beneficiary, (2) career firefighter, (3) career rescue squad worker, and (4) employer. Provides criteria to be met to qualify for the special separation allowance. Defines creditable service as it is used in determining the requirements to be met in order to qualify for the allowance. Specifies when the payment of the special separation allowance will cease. Provides that the benefits under these proposed provisions do not affect the benefits to which an individual may be entitled from state, federal, or private retirement systems. Also provides that the benefits payable under these proposed provisions are not subject to any increases in salary or retirement allowances that may be granted to local employees by an employer. Designates the governing body for each local government unit as responsible for determining the eligibility of its employees for these benefits and for making payments to those eligible employees.
Effective July 1, 2011.