Texas House Bill HB4163

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a funding soundness restoration plan for certain public retirement systems.

Impact

The enactment of HB 4163 is significant as it establishes a structured approach to addressing funding shortfalls in public retirement systems for firefighters. By requiring the formulation of a funding soundness restoration plan when certain actuarial conditions are not met, the bill seeks to prevent potential insolvency of these systems. It ensures regular updates on progress towards fiscal soundness, promoting transparency and accountability among public retirement entities.

Summary

House Bill 4163 introduces a funding soundness restoration plan specifically for public retirement systems governed by the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act. The bill mandates that public retirement systems notify their associated governmental entities when actuarial valuations indicate that their actual contributions will not sufficiently amortize their unfunded liabilities within 30 years. This provision aims to enhance the fiscal health of these retirement systems, ensuring that they can meet their obligations to current and future retirees.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from the implications of stringent actuarial requirements on local governance. Detractors may argue that the bill imposes additional administrative burdens on already strained local resources. Furthermore, some could raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of retirement benefits in the face of fluctuating economic conditions that affect contribution rates. Advocates for the bill, however, maintain that it is a necessary measure to protect the retirement security of firefighters and uphold the integrity of public retirement systems.