Texas House Bill HB101

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to authorizing public retirement systems to study the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of implementing certain pension revenue enhancement strategies.

Impact

If successfully implemented, HB 101 could significantly enhance the financial stability of public retirement systems in Texas. By providing a new mechanism for funding through life insurance policies, the bill aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures that these systems face in balancing their liabilities. The findings from the proposed studies would be reported to the Texas Legislature, potentially informing future policies and legislation related to retirement funding.

Summary

House Bill 101 seeks to authorize public retirement systems in Texas to study the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of implementing pension revenue enhancement strategies. Specifically, the bill proposes that a public retirement system could obtain a life insurance policy for each employee, with proceeds from any policy paid to the retirement system upon the employee's death. This approach aims to create an additional funding source for retirement systems, addressing potential deficiencies in meeting their liabilities.

Contention

However, the proposal may also generate discussions regarding ethical considerations and the implications of linking employee insurance policies with public pension systems. Concerns could be raised about the appropriateness of using life insurance as a funding mechanism for public retirement plans, including questions about consent and the long-term viability of such strategies. Additionally, if the studies suggest significant costs or complexities in implementation, legislators and stakeholders may need to reconsider the feasibility of the proposed enhancement strategies.