Texas Senate Bill SB812

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/26/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 5/5/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 5/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the resumption of employment by certain retirees within the Texas Municipal Retirement System.

Impact

The enactment of SB812 will significantly alter the management of retirement annuities for TMRS members. Specifically, if a retiree returns to work with the same municipality, their retirement benefits will be suspended for the duration of their employment. This ensures that retirees only draw their retirement benefits when they are no longer employed, thereby preventing double compensation. Furthermore, retirees who comply with specific conditions will be entitled to a lump-sum payment upon the termination of reemployment, thereby providing a financial incentive for cautious planning upon retirement.

Summary

Senate Bill 812 amends the Texas Government Code regarding the resumption of employment by retirees within the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). The primary purpose of this legislation is to clarify the provisions surrounding the suspension and resumption of retirement annuities when a retiree returns to work for the municipality from which they originally retired. The bill specifies the conditions under which a retiree's annuity may be suspended upon reemployment and the procedure for resuming payments upon termination of that employment.

Contention

Several notable points of contention may arise concerning SB812. One major concern is the impact on retirees who may wish to re-enter the workforce in their previous roles. Opponents of this legislation might argue that it creates financial barriers for those retirees who seek to contribute positively to their communities without fully forfeiting their retirement benefits. Additionally, some stakeholders may question whether the requirements for resuming annuities are fair and accessible for all retirees, particularly those who may not want to wait the mandated eight years before they can access their benefits once again.