This report is transmitted pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 257 of the 1979 Session of the General Assembly. In addition to its study of the matters set forth in the resolution, the Commission considered other resolutions and bills, concerning retirement matters, which were introduced but not passed during the 1978 and 1979 Sessions. The full description of Commission recommendations is stated in the body of the report; proposed bills to effect the recommendations, and related background materials, are provided in the appendices.

The Commission has been gratified by the thoughtful interest displayed in its work by many citizens, public employees and non-employees alike. Their interest was reflected by attendance at the meetings of the Commission and by proposals and comments. At the public hearing on December 28, 1979, approximately 500 persons were in attendance and 60 made oral or written statements.