SRC-AXB S.J.R. 38 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 38
By: Ratliff
Education
4/12/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas teachers are required to contribute a minimum of six
percent of their salary into the Teacher Retirement System, in addition to
the state's maximum ten percent contribution.  By eliminating the teachers'
minimum and the state's maximum contributions to establish a  minimum
contribution of 12 percent, the legislature could provide a teacher salary
increase.  S.J.R. 38 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate the
current contribution arrangement for the Teacher Retirement System of
Texas, and requires the legislature to determine the percentage of
compensation. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.J.R. 38 requires the legislature to determine the percentage
of compensation towards the Teacher Retirement System of Texas for
participants of that system. 

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 67(b), Article XVI, Texas Constitution, to
require the legislature to establish a percentage of current compensation
which will be the amount contributed by a participant in the Teacher
Retirement System of Texas.  Sets forth calculation procedures for the
contribution. Deletes text regarding the Teacher Retirment System of Texas,
and sets forth the contribution amount for the Employees Retirement System
of Texas.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held on November 2, 1999.  Sets forth
the required language for the ballot.