Section 6-63-320 - Annual career service recognition payments for employees of institutions of higher education(a)(1)(A) A nonfaculty member of an institution of higher education shall become eligible for annual career service recognition payments upon completion of ten (10) or more years of service in either an elected position or a classified or nonclassified position with a state agency or an institution of higher education.(B) To receive the full amount authorized in subsection (c) of this section, the service shall have been in either elected positions or regular full-time positions.(C) Nonfaculty employees of institutions who work part-time in regular salary positions may receive annual career service recognition payments on a pro rata basis.(2) Periods of authorized leave without pay and leave of absence for military service when veterans' reemployment rights are exercised shall not negate eligibility for the payment, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.(b) The Division of Higher Education shall establish and publish policies and procedures for the administration of career service recognition payments to employees of institutions upon a determination by the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education that the respective institution has sufficient funds available for that purpose.(c) Nonfaculty employees of institutions who meet eligibility requirements established by subsection (a) of this section shall become eligible for annual career service recognition payments on the anniversary date of the completion of such service according to the following schedule: STATE SERVICE | ANNUAL PAYMENT |
10 through 14 years of state service | $ 800 |
15 through 19 years of state service | $ 1,000 |
20 through 24 years of state service | $ 1,200 |
25 or more years of state service | $ 1,500 |
(d) Career service recognition payments authorized by this section are: (1) Subject to withholding of all applicable state and federal taxes; and(2) Included by retirement systems in determining benefits.Added by Act 2023, No. 778,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2023.