Opinion ID: 2582628
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: McMullen's Right To Have His Benefits Calculated According to the Law in 1969

Text: McMullen argues that he has a right to have his benefits determined under the law and practices that were in effect when he was hired. We agree. Under article XII, section 7 of the Alaska Constitution, the state may not impair the benefits a state employee has accrued under the state's employee retirement systems. [13] Our case law establishes that an employee's right to benefits vests upon employment or enrollment in the retirement system rather than upon retirement. [14] An employee's vested benefits arise by statute, from the regulations implementing those statutes, and from the division's practices. [15] Where the state has changed the benefits system after an employee's enrollment in the system, the employee may choose to accept the new system or may opt to keep the benefits in effect at enrollment. [16] McMullen is therefore entitled, if he chooses, to have his benefits calculated according to the system that was in effect at the time of his enrollment. This system was governed by the statutes in effect at that time, the regulations that were then applicable, and the division's practices as of 1969.