Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB198

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

Georgia Legislative Retirement System; board of trustees of the system to increase benefit multipliers for members; provide

Impact

If implemented, this bill would lead to significant alterations in how retirement benefits are calculated for members of the Georgia Legislative Retirement System. Members who joined after 2009 would also be eligible for these increases, which could be a point of contention for existing members who have been awaiting such adjustments. The requirement for the board to ensure a funded ratio of at least 120 percent aims to prevent future shortfalls and ensures the retirement benefits remain sustainable in the long term.

Summary

SB198 aims to amend the Georgia Legislative Retirement System by allowing the board of trustees to increase benefit multipliers for members, which directly affects the calculation of their monthly retirement allowances. The bill stipulates that the system must maintain a minimum funded ratio of 120 percent, ensuring its financial stability. It introduces conditions under which these increases can be made and places a proportional increase on employee contributions to maintain equilibrium within the system's funding framework.

Contention

Notably, there may be disagreement surrounding the automatic contribution increases tied to the benefit multiplier raises. Critics may argue that this added financial burden could deter new members or affect their retention. Additionally, some may question the rationale behind the 120 percent threshold for funding, as this could be viewed as a stringent requirement that complicates benefit management during times of economic downturn or market fluctuations. The reaction from different stakeholder groups, particularly concerning fairness and adequacy of funding, is likely to shape the ongoing discussions around this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB308

Georgia Legislative Retirement System; retirement benefit amounts payable to former legislators upon retirement and to currently retired legislators

GA HB472

Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; allow certain sworn law enforcement officers to be eligible for retirement benefits at age 55; provisions

GA HB823

Legislative Retirement System; increase retirement benefit amounts payable to certain legislators

GA SB105

Public School Employees Retirement System; the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees; revise

GA HB829

Legislative Retirement System; match benefit amounts payable to former legislators to currently retired legislators who are in office on or after January 1, 2022

GA HB831

Legislative Retirement System; match benefit amounts payable to former legislators to currently retired legislators who are in office on or after January 1, 2022

GA HB285

Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; total percentage of funds invested in alternative investments; raise limit

GA SB327

Retirement and Pensions; Public School Employees Retirement System to make an irrevocable election to become members of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia; permit

GA SB322

Sheriffs' Retirement Fund of Georgia; increase in dues; provide

GA HB799

Georgia Judicial Retirement System; postretirement benefit adjustments shall be issued to members who became members on or after July 1, 2009; provide

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