Texas House Bill HB440

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/19/08

Caption

Relating to one-time supplemental payments of retirement or death benefits by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Impact

If enacted, HB 440 would solely affect the payment structures within the Teacher Retirement System, thereby increasing the total financial benefits available to certain retirees and beneficiaries. The legislation specifies that to qualify, annuitants must have maintained eligibility rules in line with previous existing regulations, such as having a retirement date on or before December 31, 2008. Consequently, this ensures that long-serving members of the teaching community can access this one-time benefit, potentially alleviating some financial strain amidst changing economic conditions.

Summary

House Bill 440 seeks to provide one-time supplemental payments to annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). Specifically, the bill mandates a supplemental payment that will be issued no later than September 2009 and be equal to the lesser of the regular annuity payment amount for August 2009 or $2,400. This payment is designed to supplement the existing retirement or death benefits available to eligible annuitants, ensuring that they receive financial support during critical periods.

Contention

While the bill aims to offer a financial lifeline to TRS members, it may face scrutiny regarding the timing and funding for these payments. Stakeholders might debate the financial viability of issuing such supplemental benefits without jeopardizing the overall health of the retirement fund. There may also be contention about the decision to limit benefits to certain years of service or death dates, which could exclude some individuals who feel they deserve equal treatment under the system.