79R2649 DLF-D

By:  Gonzales                                                     H.B. No. 831



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the eligibility of certain appellate judges to retire 
with full benefits.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 839.101(a), Government Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  A member is eligible to retire and receive a service 
retirement annuity if the member:
		(1)  is at least 65 years old, currently holds a 
judicial office, and has at least 10 years of service credited in 
the retirement system;
		(2)  is at least 65 years old and has at least 12 years 
of service credited in the retirement system, regardless of whether 
the member currently holds a judicial office;
		(3)  is at least 55 years old and has at least 20 years 
of service credited in the retirement system, regardless of whether 
the member currently holds a judicial office; or
		(4)  has served at least 12 years [two full terms] on an 
appellate court and the sum of the member's age and amount of 
service credited in the retirement system equals or exceeds the 
number 70, regardless of whether the member currently holds a 
judicial office.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.