Texas Senate Bill SB1366

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to eligibility for membership and funding of benefits for certain law enforcement, custodial, and other peace officers.

Impact

The bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for the calculation of retirement annuities for those with at least twenty years of service, allowing them retirement irrespective of age. Furthermore, it clarifies the statutes that apply to law enforcement agencies and the various entitlement packages for officers who experience occupational disability. This can potentially enhance the benefits for certain officers, thereby promoting job retention and satisfaction within these critical public safety roles.

Summary

SB1366 is a bill that seeks to amend various sections of the Government Code related to the eligibility for membership and funding of benefits for law enforcement, custodial, and other peace officers. The bill specifically outlines the procedures for the retirement benefits available to these officers, including provisions for combined service credit and the criteria for occupational disability retirement benefits. This legislation aims to regulate how officers who transition between different retirement systems can manage their years of service and the associated benefits.

Contention

As the bill facilitates a shift towards more favorable conditions for law enforcement personnel in regard to their retirement, it may also ignite discussions about fiscal responsibility and the budgetary implications for state-funded retirement systems. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the sustainability of enhanced benefits particularly in light of the growing financial obligations to these retirement systems. Moreover, there may be differing opinions on the appropriateness of public funding being directed towards benefits that certain factions believe might not be justified given current economic conditions.