BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 831

                                                                                                                                       By: Gonzales

Pensions & Investments

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, Texas Law requires appellate judges to serve at least two full six year terms in order to qualify for full benefits when retiring.

In an instance where an appellate judge is elected in a special election it is possible for the judge to be required to serve for over 17 years before becoming eligible to retire and receive full benefits.  HB 831 redefines the service qualification needed to retire with full benefits from two full terms to twelve years, the time equivalent of two full terms.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

HB 831 amends Section 839.101(a)(4), Government Code, by changing the official retirement qualifications of appellate judges from two full terms to twelve years served.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005