Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1772

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the retirement system in certain municipalities for firefighters and police officers.

Impact

The implications of SB1772 on state laws are significant, as it seeks to modify existing provisions related to the pension funds for public safety personnel. The adjustments in benefit calculations aim to ensure that retired firefighters and police officers receive a fair return on their long service, particularly as they transition into retirement. This act is also expected to assist in attracting and retaining quality personnel in municipal agencies by offering a competitive retirement package. The proposed changes would create a more secure financial future for these public servants by ensuring robust retirement benefits commensurate with their contributions.

Summary

SB1772 is a legislative proposal aimed at modifying the retirement system for firefighters and police officers employed in certain municipalities in Texas. The bill primarily focuses on adjusting retirement benefits, including how benefits are calculated based on a member's average total salary and years of service. Notably, it introduces incremental increases to retirement pensions, which are directly correlated to the years of service, thereby providing more substantial benefits for long-term members of the service. Furthermore, the law mandates municipalities to double-match member contributions, enhancing the funding available for pension benefits.

Contention

There may be points of contention associated with SB1772, especially regarding the increased financial liabilities on municipalities due to the double-matching of contributions and enhanced pension offerings. Critics may argue that these provisions could strain municipal budgets, potentially leading to higher taxes or reallocation of funds from other public services. Furthermore, debates may arise surrounding the fairness of pension structures that disproportionately benefit long-serving employees at the expense of newer hires. The bill's reception will depend on balancing the needs of public safety personnel with the financial realities faced by municipalities.

Companion Bills

TX HB3349

Identical Relating to the retirement system in certain municipalities for firefighters and police officers.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1207

Relating to the retirement system in certain municipalities for firefighters and police officers.

TX HB2649

Relating to the retirement system in certain municipalities for firefighters and police officers.

TX SB1444

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

TX HB4000

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

TX HB3340

Relating to the public retirement systems of certain municipalities.

TX SB1446

Relating to the fiduciary responsibility of the governing body of the public retirement systems in this state and the investment managers and proxy advisors acting on behalf of those systems.

TX SB2590

Relating to participation in a deferred retirement option plan by members of the retirement systems for police and fire fighters in certain municipalities.

TX HB4653

Relating to participation in a deferred retirement option plan by members of the retirement systems for police and fire fighters in certain municipalities.

TX HB4227

Relating to the repeal of a municipal civil service system for firefighters and police officers in certain municipalities.

TX SB2416

Relating to certain disability and death benefits payable by the public retirement systems for police and fire fighters in certain municipalities.

Similar Bills

TX HB3349

Relating to the retirement system in certain municipalities for firefighters and police officers.

LA HB555

Provides relative to the payment of unfunded accrued liabilities of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. from minimum foundation program funds allocated to charter schools (OR INCREASE SG RV See Note)

OK HB1739

Retirement; Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System; contribution; top base salary; benefit computation; effective date; emergency.

NJ S4334

Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year.

NJ A5509

Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year.

CA AB2443

Judges’ Retirement System II: benefits.

NH HB1680

Establishing a foundation opportunity budget program for funding public education.

IA SF2436

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including by modifying the judicial retirement fund, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3203.) Effective date: 06/21/2024, 07/01/2024.