SRC-JJJ H.B. 3773 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3773
76R10954 GCH-FBy: Greenberg (Barrientos)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/12/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Under current law, an eleven-member board of trustees governs the Austin
Police Retirement System.  The law also provides that military service can
be used in factoring eligibility for deferred retirement.  H.B. 3773 would
establish provisions regarding credit in and benefits and administration of
retirement systems for police officers in certain municipalities. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3773 establishes provisions regarding credit in and
benefits and administration of retirement systems for police officers in
certain municipalities. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 3.02, Article 6243n-1, V.T.C.S., to set forth
requirements and conditions  regarding the police retirement board (board)
which shall be composed of 11 members, including five, rather than four,
elected police officer members; one, rather than three, legally qualified
voter of the city; two retired members; and eight other specified members.
Sets forth provisions regarding the term lengths of the five police officer
members.  Requires a vacancy occurring by the death, resignation, or
removal of the member appointed under Subsection (a)(5) to be filled by
appointment by the remaining members of the police retirement board.
Deletes text regarding successors in the event of a seat vacancy.   Makes
conforming and nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 3.03, Article 6243n-1, V.T.C.S.,  as follows:

Sec. 3.03. New heading:  POLICE OFFICER AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF BOARD. Sets
forth requirements and conditions regarding the retired members of the
board.  Deletes text regarding conditions related to the election of the
board.   

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 5.02, Article 6243n-1, V.T.C.S., by adding
Subsection (c), to prohibit a member from receiving credit for military
service for which the person is receiving or is eligible to receive federal
retirement payments based on 20 years or more of active military service or
its equivalent by the member  or for which the member has received credit
in any other public retirement system or program established under the laws
of this state. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 5.04(a), Article 6243n-1, V.T.C.S., to delete
text regarding irrevocable authorization. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Sections 6.07(a) and (b),  Article 6243n-1, V.T.C.S., to
provide that the retroactive deferred retirement option plan (RETRO DROP)
is an option at the time of retirement, subject to certain conditions, for
a member eligible for service retirement  based on 25 years of creditable
service, excluding any military service.  Makes conforming changes.  

SECTION 6.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

 SECTION 7.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 8.  Emergency clause.