Bill > SB1115

This bill modifies the definition of "custodial officer" in the Texas Employees Retirement System to explicitly include juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, allowing them to receive the same retirement benefits as other law enforcement and custodial officers. The bill defines "juvenile correctional officer" by referencing existing legal definitions and provides guidelines for how service credit will be established and recognized for these employees. Specifically, the bill allows both current and future juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers to potentially qualify for custodial officer service credit, with some restrictions - for instance, members who want to receive benefits from the law enforcement and custodial officer supplemental retirement fund based on service credit earned before the bill's effective date cannot retire before September 1, 2027. The legislation requires the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to certify employee information to the Employees Retirement System and begin making appropriate retirement fund contributions. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to employees hired before, on, or after that date, providing a pathway for these public safety workers to receive retirement benefits more in line with other similar state employees.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1115