Texas Senate Bill SB1115

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/5/25

Caption

Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Impact

If enacted, SB1115 addresses the retirement benefits for juvenile justice personnel, thereby enhancing the overall benefits structure for employees working in what is often considered a high-stress environment. Under the new provisions, employees who are categorized as juvenile correctional officers or caseworkers from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department will receive better-defined retirement benefits that acknowledge their unique roles within the justice system. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in how retirement service credits are managed for these essential roles.

Summary

SB1115 aims to expand the eligibility criteria for custodial officer service within the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) specifically targeting juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. This legislation amends specific sections of the Government Code to clarify the definition of custodial officers and to ensure that service performed in these roles is creditable under the retirement system. Notably, it establishes that service must be carried out directly as a juvenile correctional officer or caseworker to qualify for custodial officer service credit. The bill helps streamline the process by which contributions for retirement benefits are collected for these employees.

Contention

While SB1115 is generally viewed positively as a means to strengthen benefits for juvenile correctional staff, it does provoke discussion around the provisions concerning eligibility and the implications of requiring specific conditions for creditable service. Some may argue that the restrictions could limit access to retirement benefits for individuals who have contributed significantly but may not fit neatly into the defined roles. Concerns may also arise about how the bill alters the decision-making power within the retirement system as it stipulates that determinations regarding custodial officer creditability cannot be appealed by employees, instead being subject to the board's changes. This centralization of authority raises questions about transparency and fairness in the evaluation of service credits.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 811. General Provisions
  • Section: 001

• Chapter 813. Creditable Service
  • Section: 506

• Chapter 815. Administration
  • Section: 505