The MERS in-house Legal Department provides legal support to the Retirement System and the Board. The Legal Department does not provide legal advice to members or benefit recipients.

The legal staff actively monitors state and federal laws, ensuring that the MERS plans are in compliance with applicable federal and state law. In addition, MERS actively maintains its qualified status as a 401(a) plan with the Internal Revenue Service. MERS is required to follow Michigan state law and prudent standards of diligence, and we’re dedicated to maintaining strict oversight and management to meet those requirements.

MERS Plan Documents

• Defined Benefit Plan, Defined Contribution Plan, Hybrid Plan: Plan Document
• Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle: Plan Document
• 457 Program: Plan Document

MERS Board Policies & Procedures

• Actuarial Policy
• Board Nomination and Election Procedures
• HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures
• Reporting and Contribution Enforcement Policy
• Plan Closures, Freezes, and Conversions
• Termination Policy and Procedure

Contested Case Hearings

• Guide / FAQs
• Administrative Rules

Links of Interest

• Domestic Relations Orders (DRO)
• Michigan Legal Resources & Self-Help
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request

Applicable Laws

• Administrative Procedures Act (APA), 1969 PA 306
• Eligible Domestic Relations Order Act (EDRO), 1991 PA 46
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 1976 PA 442
• Municipal Employees Retirement Act (MERA), 1984 PA 427
• Open Meetings Act (OMA), 1976 PA 267
• Public Employee Retirement Benefits Forfeiture Act (PERBFA), 1994 PA 350
• Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act (PERSIA), 1965 PA 314
• Reciprocal Retirement Act (Act 88), 1961 PA 88