Tennessee Senate Bill SB0510

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Engrossed: 4/7/25
• Passed: 5/5/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 25; Title 8, Chapter 34; Title 8, Chapter 35; Title 8, Chapter 36 and Title 8, Chapter 37, relative to retirement.

Impact

The passage of SB 510 will significantly reshape the landscape of public sector retirement in Tennessee. By requiring more categories of employees to enroll in the retirement system, the bill is designed to provide consistent retirement benefits to a broader base of public servants. This change is expected to improve retirement security for these individuals and standardize their contributions and benefits, which can lead to enhanced trust and retention within public service roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 510 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding retirement systems, specifically addressing the participation requirements of certain public employees and the benefits permissible within the retirement system. The bill mandates that any individual serving as a state judge, district attorney general, or member of the general assembly on or after July 1, 2025, must participate in the Tennessee consolidated retirement system. Additionally, it ensures that certain employees, including city judges and attorneys, also become part of the retirement system, thus formalizing their benefits and contributions under state law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 510 is largely supportive among public employee advocates who see it as a step toward ensuring fair and adequate retirement benefits. However, there may be mixed reactions from local governments concerned about the financial implications of increased retirement coverages. Some legislators worry about the costs associated with expanding the retirement system and how local governments will manage these responsibilities without incurring additional expenses.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SB 510 is the requirement for local governments to assume the costs associated with these expanded retirement benefits. Critics argue that this could lead to financial burdens on smaller municipalities that may struggle to afford such costs, especially in times of budget constraints. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that providing robust retirement benefits is essential for attracting quality candidates to public service and maintaining a well-functioning government workforce.