Rules & Rulemaking
MainePERS has recently completed rulemaking on six rules and is in the process of rulemaking on one other. A brief description of current rulemaking is as follows:
Chapter 201 – Employer Reporting and Payments
Chapter 201 – Employer Reporting and Payments (PDF)
This rule governs payroll reporting by employers. The replacement rule sets expectations for payroll reporting, submission of contributions, and payment of Group Life Insurance premiums and provide for late fees and interest. The replacement rule also provides that: (1) MainePERS should consider whether there are any extenuating circumstances and whether the employer is attempting in good faith to comply; and (2) any late fees would be credited toward any interest requirement.
Final regulatory review of this rule is complete and the rule is effective December 4, 2025. The rule may be viewed on this web site via the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-451-9800 or by email at [email protected].
Chapter 406 – Payment or Repayment of Contributions and Interest for the Purchase of Creditable Service
This rule sets forth the requirements for members to purchase or repurchase creditable service. The proposed amendments to the rule allows Maine Public Employees Retirement System members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program and the Participating Local District Consolidated Plan with prior federal employment to purchase up to five years of service credit at actuarial cost.
Final regulatory review of this rule is complete and the rule is effective November 22, 2025. The rule may be viewed on this web site via the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-451-9800 or by email at [email protected].
More information regarding this rulemaking can also be found at the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/08.20.2025%20-%20Online.docx
Chapter 506 – Eligibility for Disability Retirement Benefits
Chapter 506 – Eligibility for Disability Retirement Benefits (PDF)
This rule chapter sets forth the standards and processes for determining eligibility for disability retirement benefits. The amendments to the rule eliminate the requirement for continuous service before a member can be eligible for disability retirement without meeting pre-existing condition criteria. The proposed amendments simplify continued eligibility for disability retirement benefits consistent with statute.
Final regulatory review of this rule is complete and the rule is effective November 22, 2025. The rule may be viewed on this web site via the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-451-9800 or by email at [email protected].
Chapter 803 – Participating Local Districts Consolidated Retirement Plan
Chapter 803 – Participating Local Districts Consolidated Retirement Plan (PDF)
This rule establishes a consolidated retirement plan as required by 5 M.R.S. §18801 et seq. for local districts that are participating local districts under 5 M.R.S. Chapter 425 and Chapter 427. The proposed amendments to the rule allow Participating Local District (PLD) members with prior non-military federal service to purchase up to five years of service credit at actuarial cost. The proposed amendments also allows the chief administrative office of participating local district to clarify ambiguities in actions taken by the governing body regarding plan participation. The proposed amendments also ensures that 401(a) defined contribution plan elections conform with federal plan qualification requirements. The proposed amendments also removes an infrequently used and inefficient provision that permits a member retiring early to forgo cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) until they attain normal retirement age.
The proposed amended rule may be viewed on this website at the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-51-9800 or by email at [email protected].
The Maine Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees voted to adopt the proposed rule on October 9, 2025. Final regulatory review of this proposed amended rule is underway.
More information regarding this rulemaking can also be found at the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/08.20.2025%20-%20Online.docx
Chapter 510 – Reduction of Disability Retirement Benefits Because of Lump-Sum Settlements of Benefits Payable Under the Workers’ Compensation or Similar Law
This rule sets forth the methodology by which disability retirement benefits are reduced when a beneficiary of such benefits receives a lump-sum settlement of benefits payable under the workers’ compensation or similar law. The amended rule removed references to the offset of disability retirement benefits for Social Security benefits received by a member for the same condition. Amendments to Ch. 803 Participating Local Districts Consolidated Retirement Plan repeals this offset.
Final regulatory review is complete and the amended rule is effective September 22, 2025. The may be viewed on this website at the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-51-9800 or by email at [email protected].
More information regarding this rulemaking can also be found at the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/07.23.2025%20-%20Online.docx
Chapter 513 – Disability Retirement Compensation Limitations and Benefit Offsets
Chapter 513 – Disability Retirement Compensation Limitations and Benefit Offsets (PDF)
This rule provides guidance on disability compensation limits and benefit offsets. The amended rule eliminates reference to the offset of disability retirement benefits and compensation limits for Social Security benefits received by a member for the same condition. Amendments to Ch. 803 Participating Local Districts Consolidated Retirement Plan repeals this offset.
Final regulatory review is complete and the amended rule is effective September 2, 2025. The rule may be viewed on this website at the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-51-9800 or by email at [email protected].
More information regarding this rulemaking can also be found at the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/06.18.2025%20-%20Online.docx
Chapter 803 – Participating Local Districts Consolidated Retirement Plan
Chapter 803 – Participating Local Districts Consolidated Retirement Plan (PDF)
This rule establishes a consolidated retirement plan as required by 5 M.R.S. §18801 et seq. for local districts that are participating local districts under 5 M.R.S. Chapter 425 and Chapter 427.
The rule adopts into the PLD Consolidated Retirement Plan PL 2025, Chapter 270 (effective September 24, 2025), which eliminates reductions to disability retirement benefits related to the receipt of Social Security disability benefits retroactive to January 1, 2024.
Final regulatory review is complete and the amended rule is effective September 2, 2025. The rule may be viewed on this website at the link above, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Chief Executive Officer’s office at 1-800-51-9800 or by email at [email protected].
More information regarding this rulemaking can also be found at the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/06.18.2025%20-%20Online.docx