SRC-AXB C.S.S.B. 82 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 82
76R15151 GCH-DBy: Brown
State Affairs
5/12/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, there are two different calculation procedures used to determine
retired judges' retirement plans.  Under Plan One, retired judges receive a
percentage of what current judges earn,  and under Plan Two, they receive a
percentage of their salary upon retirement.  The inflexibility of adjusting
retirement annuities could deter seasoned attorneys from entering the
judiciary.  This bill provides that the standard service retirement annuity
for judges be adjusted from time to time. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 82 provides that the standard service retirement
annuity for judges be adjusted from time to time. 

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 Sections 839.102(a) and (c), Government Code, to provide
that the standard service retirement annuity be adjusted from time to time.
Deletes text specifying that the annuity be paid to a judge upon
retirement.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001, if the comptroller makes
certain determinations. Authorizes the comptroller to make a determination
earlier than the effective date of this Act, in which case the date of the
earlier determination becomes the effective date of this Act.  Requires the
comptroller to file notice of the determination with the secretary of state
for publication in the Texas Register.  Provides that the change in law
made to Section 839.102, Government Code, applies to certain annuities on
or after the effective date. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.