Relating to eligibility for membership and funding of benefits for certain law enforcement, custodial, and other peace officers.
Impact
The bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for the calculation of retirement annuities for those with at least twenty years of service, allowing them retirement irrespective of age. Furthermore, it clarifies the statutes that apply to law enforcement agencies and the various entitlement packages for officers who experience occupational disability. This can potentially enhance the benefits for certain officers, thereby promoting job retention and satisfaction within these critical public safety roles.
Summary
SB1366 is a bill that seeks to amend various sections of the Government Code related to the eligibility for membership and funding of benefits for law enforcement, custodial, and other peace officers. The bill specifically outlines the procedures for the retirement benefits available to these officers, including provisions for combined service credit and the criteria for occupational disability retirement benefits. This legislation aims to regulate how officers who transition between different retirement systems can manage their years of service and the associated benefits.
Contention
As the bill facilitates a shift towards more favorable conditions for law enforcement personnel in regard to their retirement, it may also ignite discussions about fiscal responsibility and the budgetary implications for state-funded retirement systems. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the sustainability of enhanced benefits particularly in light of the growing financial obligations to these retirement systems. Moreover, there may be differing opinions on the appropriateness of public funding being directed towards benefits that certain factions believe might not be justified given current economic conditions.
Relating to a study conducted by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas on the feasibility of offering alternative service retirement benefits to peace officers who are members of the retirement system.
Relating to eligibility for law enforcement officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain peace officers commissioned by the comptroller.
Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas of juvenile justice officers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to service retirement benefits payable by the Employees Retirement System of Texas to commissioned peace officers employed by the attorney general.
Relating to service retirement benefits payable by the Employees Retirement System of Texas to commissioned peace officers employed by the attorney general.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.