Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB477

Introduced
2/8/24  
Refer
2/9/24  
Introduced
2/8/24  

Caption

Retirement and Pensions; creation of the Peach Save plan, a defined contribution retirement plan; provide

Impact

The implementation of the Peach Save plan can significantly impact state laws pertaining to retirement and pensions, especially for small and medium-sized businesses which often struggle to provide comprehensive retirement benefits. By providing a standardized, state-sponsored retirement plan, the bill aims to alleviate the burden on employers while helping employees to save for retirement. Eligible employers, those with less than 100 employees, will have the opportunity to offer this plan without facing the complexities associated with establishing traditional retirement plans. This could lead to broader participation in retirement savings among employees in Georgia, allowing for greater financial security when they retire.

Summary

Senate Bill 477, titled the Peach Save plan, seeks to introduce a statewide defined contribution retirement plan aimed at offering retirement savings options for employees of eligible employers in Georgia. The bill stipulates the establishment of a board of trustees responsible for administering the plan, ensuring compliance with federal laws, and providing oversight on financial management and investments. The Peach Save plan is designed to facilitate voluntary participation, allowing employees to contribute through payroll deductions. Importantly, the plan aims to enhance retirement savings options for employees who do not currently have access to such financial products, thus promoting financial security in retirement.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB477 is the balance between providing accessible retirement options and the potential regulatory implications for participating employers. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to simplify retirement savings, there could be concerns regarding the administrative responsibilities placed on smaller businesses, as well as the potential for the state to further intervene in retirement planning. Moreover, the requirement for employers to allow payroll deductions and other administrative tasks may raise questions about the extent to which the plan truly offers a 'voluntary' option, particularly for those who may not be ready to navigate additional financial commitments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB463

Retirement and Pensions; Peach Save plan; creation

GA SB226

Peach State Saves Programs; provide for creation

GA HB2506

Relating to creating defined contribution retirement plans for persons eligible to participate in the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

GA HB1146

Employer eligibility to participate in the public employees retirement system defined contribution retirement plan, employer contribution requirements for the defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, and employee eligibility to elect to transfer to the defined contribution retirement plan; to provide for retroactive application; and to declare an emergency.

GA HB1974

Relating to creating a defined contribution retirement plan for persons eligible to participate in a public statewide retirement system.

GA HB985

Provides for a defined contribution retirement plan for new hires of all state retirement systems

GA HB1879

Public retirement systems; Oklahoma Pension Legislation Actuarial Analysis Act; Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System; defined contribution plan; defined benefit plan; effective dates.

GA HB1732

Establishes provisions relating to workplace retirement savings plans.

GA HB2854

Public retirement systems; Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System; defined contribution plan; defined benefit plan; accounts; service credit; effective dates.

GA SB1751

Relating to authorizing the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to establish defined contribution plans or hybrid retirement plans to provide retirement benefits to certain employees.

Similar Bills

PA HB418

Providing for County Employees' Defined Contribution Plan.

PA HB754

Further providing for supplemental benefits.

TX SB117

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX HB3871

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX HB3226

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX HB652

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX SB17

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX SB78

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.