Michigan § 38.55 - Definitions; P to Y.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 38.55 — Definitions; P to Y., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38.55. Definitions; P to Y.

Sec. 55.

(1) "Plan document" means the document that contains the provisions and procedures of Tier 2 in conformity with this act and the internal revenue code.

(2) "Qualified participant" means an individual who is a participant of Tier 2 and who meets 1 of the following requirements:

(a) Is first employed and entered upon the payroll of his or her employer on or after March 31, 1997, and who before March 31, 1997 would have been eligible to be a member of Tier 1.

(b) Elects to terminate membership in Tier 1 and elects to participate in Tier 2 in the manner prescribed in section 50.

(c) Is an adjutant general or an assistant adjutant general under the Michigan military act, 1967 PA 150, MCL 32.501 to 32.851, and who is first employed as an adjutant general or assistant adjutant general on or after January 1, 2011.

(d) Was a member who did not make the election under section 50a.

(e) Was a member who made the election under section 50a(1) and the designation under section 50a(2) and who has attained 30 years of credited service or who has terminated employment and has been reemployed by this state.

(f) Was a member as described in section 50a(6), (7), or (8).

(3) "Refund beneficiary" means an individual nominated by a qualified participant or a former qualified participant under section 66 to receive a distribution of the participant's accumulated balance in the manner prescribed in section 67.

(4) "State treasurer" means the treasurer of this state.

(5) "Tax-deferred account" means an account or accounts of existing deferred compensation plans or plans established by the retirement system, for which the retirement system has the authority to determine the membership, eligibility, terms, conditions, and other administrative and operational features. Tax-deferred account does not include a health reimbursement account for purposes other than complying with the contribution limits described in section 68b(12).

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, "year of service" means each period during which a qualified participant is employed by the employer and is credited with 2,080 hours of service. The Tier 2 plan administrator and the plan document may provide for a lesser number of annual hours and a maximum number of hours per pay period for any classification of employees, provided that no participant shall receive credit for more than 1 year of service for any 12-month period of employment. Beginning January 1, 2003, full service credit shall also be given to a participant for furlough hours, for required 1-day layoffs, for required and designated temporary layoffs, for a year in which a participant temporarily leaves employment to enter active military duty and then dies during that active military duty, and for participation in the banked leave time program. In the event a terminated participant is reemployed, such individual shall retain credit for all full and partial years of service completed prior to such reemployment, for purposes of determining his or her vesting percentage in any employer contributions made pursuant to section 63(2) and (3) after his or her reemployment.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 38.55

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 38.55 cover?

Section 38.55 ("Definitions; P to Y.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 38.55?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 38.55" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 38.55 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.