19-20-715. Earned compensation -- limitations. (1) Compensation in excess of the limitations set forth in section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code as adjusted for cost-of-living increases must be disregarded for individuals who are not eligible employees. The limitation on compensation for eligible employees may not be less than the amount that was allowed to be taken into account under this chapter on July 1, 1993. For purposes of this section, an eligible employee is an individual who was a member in the retirement system prior to July 1, 1996. Any changes in the maximum limits under section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code must be applied prospectively.
     (2) In determining a member's retirement allowance under 19-20-802 or 19-20-804, the earned compensation reported in each year of the 3 years that make up the average final compensation may not be greater than 110% of the previous year's earned compensation included in the calculation of average final compensation or the earned compensation reported to the retirement system, whichever is less, except increases that result from movement on the employer's adopted salary matrix.
     (3) Earned compensation in excess of the amount specified in subsection (2) is considered termination pay and must be included in the calculation of average final compensation as provided in 19-20-716(1)(b).

     History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 111, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 21, Ch. 442, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 174, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 59, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 151, L. 2011.