Texas House Bill HB3747

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/3/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Report Pass: 4/29/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the selection of and requirements for serving as a member of the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Impact

If passed, HB3747 would significantly change the manner in which trustees are chosen, requiring that certain members be elected by their peers—specifically, those stemming from public school districts and institutions of higher education. This is intended to foster a more democratic selection process and ensure that trustees have firsthand experience and understanding of the issues faced by the retirement system. Importantly, the bill also establishes training requirements for newly appointed or elected board members to ensure they are adequately prepared for their responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 3747 seeks to revise the governance structure surrounding the Teacher Retirement System of Texas by altering the selection and qualifications for its board of trustees. The bill amends existing laws to clarify the roles and election process for board members, shifting the responsibility from gubernatorial appointment to a system that incorporates the input of active and retired members. This change aims to enhance representation on the board for those directly affected by its policies and decisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB3747 involve concerns related to the eligibility criteria for trustees and potential conflicts of interest. The bill proposes that individuals with certain financial relationships with entities funded by the retirement system be disqualified from serving on the board. This provision is designed to protect the integrity of the board’s operations. However, discussion in legislative circles may reveal differing opinions on how strict these criteria should be, raising questions about the balance between inclusion and the necessity for ethical governance.

Final_notes

Overall, HB3747 represents an effort to modernize and improve governance within the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, with particular focus on enhancing democratic processes and accountability. As the bill progresses, it will be vital to monitor discussions around its provisions and consider the implications for both current beneficiaries and future participants of the retirement system.