Connecticut House Bill HB06344

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/13
• Refer: 2/4/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Posthumous Grant Of Service Credit In The Teachers' Retirement System For Certain Members.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would change existing procedures surrounding the administration of the teachers' retirement system. It would allow local education boards to advocate for a deceased member by requesting additional service credits, enabling the Teachers' Retirement Board to grant these credits posthumously. This could lead to enhanced pension benefits for the beneficiaries of educators who dedicated significant time to the profession, thereby providing financial support that acknowledges their service even after their death.

Summary

House Bill 6344 aims to amend section 10-183e of the general statutes to allow for the posthumous granting of service credits to members of the teachers' retirement system. This bill is particularly directed at situations where a local or regional board of education requests that additional service credits be granted for a deceased member. The intent behind this legislation is to provide some level of benefit to the families or beneficiaries of educators who have contributed to the retirement system but may not have been able to fully utilize their service credits prior to their passing.

Contention

While the bill generally appears to be beneficial, certain stakeholders may raise concerns about its implementation and fiscal impact on the teachers' retirement fund. Questions may arise regarding the criteria by which requests for additional service credits are evaluated, and whether this could potentially lead to claims that strain the retirement fund or create disparities between different local boards of education. Furthermore, there may be discussions about equity, considering how posthumous benefits are granted in similar professions or sectors, leading to broader policy debates about retirement equity for educators.