Georgia Senate Bill SB216

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/20/25

Caption

Georgia Judicial Retirement System; membership in the system for individuals employed as the director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission; provide

Impact

The bill outlines specific procedures for the transfer process, including the election of membership for those eligible, the obligations to pay for the actuarial costs associated with this transfer, and the treatment of previously accrued service credits. These provisions will further integrate these employees into the state's retirement framework and ensure they receive compensatory measures that reflect their service, which aligns closely with the treatment of other judicial system employees. This could lead to enhanced retention and incentives for these roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 216 aims to amend the Georgia Judicial Retirement System by allowing individuals employed as the director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to become members of the system. The bill stipulates that beginning July 1, 2026, current employees in this position will have the option to transition to the Judicial Retirement System from the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia. This change is significant as it provides a pathway for these employees to gain full retirement benefits under the Judicial Retirement System, reflecting their roles and responsibilities within the state judicial framework.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its objectives, potential points of contention may arise surrounding the funding for the actuarial costs and the implications of merging retirement systems. This might lead stakeholders to discuss the long-term financial sustainability of the retirement system and the potential impacts on existing members. Furthermore, the automatic repeal clause pending fiscal appropriations raises questions about the reliability of the bill's implementation, creating a need for clarity in how these transitions will be funded to avoid burdening the state with unforeseen liabilities.