Tennessee Senate Bill SB0846

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 8, relative to retirement.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB0846 would primarily impact the administrative processes associated with employee retirement information in Tennessee. By enabling electronic submissions, the bill aligns Tennessee's retirement system with contemporary practices, potentially reducing the workload on clerical staff, minimizing paperwork, and expediting the processing of retirement benefits. This shift could also lead to improved accuracy in data handling and a quicker response time for employees seeking information regarding their retirement benefits.

Summary

Senate Bill 846 (SB0846) seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 8, which pertains to retirement. This bill entails provisions that allow the head of an employing entity or their designee to submit specific retirement-related information in an electronic format. This modernization of document submission aims to streamline processes within the retirement system and improve efficiency for state agencies and employees alike. The amendment emphasizes a shift toward digital solutions in handling retirement data.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance efficiency, discussions surrounding potential challenges must also be considered. Some public sector unions and employee advocacy groups may express concerns about the transition to electronic submissions, particularly regarding data security and the accessibility of information for all employees. Ensuring that all employees can navigate the new system without confusion will be vital, as any complications could lead to disparities in retirement benefits processing. Furthermore, stakeholders will want assurances that robust protections are in place to safeguard sensitive information transferred electronically.