Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2065

Filed

3/7/25

Out of Senate Committee

4/2/25

Voted on by Senate

4/7/25

Out of House Committee

4/28/25

Voted on by House

4/30/25

Governor Action

5/15/25

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System.

Impact

The bill is poised to significantly impact state laws governing retirement systems, specifically for emergency service employees. By mandating actuarially determined contributions which the state must adhere to, the legislation seeks to create a more predictable financial framework. The adjustments to the definitions and requirements related to liability layers also reflect an effort to enhance the long-term viability of the retirement system. Overall, SB2065 aims to strengthen the foundation of the emergency services pension system, thereby benefiting those who have dedicated their careers to public safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 2065 addresses the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, focusing on the financial stability and sustainability of the pension system that serves emergency service personnel. The bill outlines specific contributions necessary for maintaining the system in an actuarially sound state and sets parameters for amortizing any unfunded liabilities. With a goal to ensure financial viability, SB2065 sets a timeline for addressing legacy liabilities through annual contributions and establishes measurement standards for determining actuarial soundness.

Sentiment

The reception of SB2065 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, with no dissenting votes cast during legislative sessions. This notable consensus indicates a recognition of the importance of supporting emergency service personnel through adequate pension provisions. Supporters argue that ensuring the financial soundness of the pension system directly correlates with improved recruitment and retention of emergency service workers, highlighting its relevance to broader discussions about workforce stability in critical sectors.

Contention

While SB2065 is largely viewed favorably, potential points of contention may arise around the implementation of new actuarial standards and the financial commitments required from the state. Some may question whether the funding mechanisms for addressing legacy liabilities will be sustainable in the long term, particularly given fluctuating state revenues. Moreover, the amendments to how supplemental payments are managed and governed could also lead to discussions about equity among varying departments participating in the emergency services system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 614. Peace Officers And Fire Fighters
- Section: 104
- Section: 104
- Section: 104
- Section: 104
- Section: 104
- Section: 104

Chapter 861. General Provisions
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section

Chapter 864. Benefits
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135
- Section: 002
- Section: 0135

Chapter 865. Administration
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015
- Section: 011
- Section: 014
- Section: 015

Companion Bills

TX HB4736

Identical Relating to the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4000

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

TX SB1444

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

TX SB10

Relating to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

TX HB600

Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of systems and programs administered by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

TX SB1245

Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two.

TX HB1651

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

TX HB3367

Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two.

TX SB729

Relating to the cash balance benefit under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

TX SB1062

Relating to requiring the inclusion of certain proposals in reports on the actuarial experience of the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

TX HJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.