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TexasSB 173889th Legislature Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relating to the Judicial Retirement System Plan Two, including resuming service in the retirement system and contributions to the retirement system.

Sponsored By: Greg Bonnen, Joan Huffman (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Courts--JudgesRetirement Systems--JudicialRetirement Systems--State EmployeesEMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF TEXAS (ERS)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Higher pension contributions for some judges

Beginning September 1, 2025, some Texas Plan Two judges pay higher pension contributions. This applies to members who elect to contribute under Government Code Section 840.1025(a) or 840.1027(a). Their contribution rises from 6% to 9.5% of state pay each payroll period. The 3.5-percentage-point increase reduces take-home pay.

Returning judges can buy pension credit

Former Texas Plan Two retirees can buy pension credit if they hold judicial office and have rejoined on September 1, 2025. They can buy credit for resumed judicial service before that date, including service before June 18, 2023. Each month of credit costs 9.5% of their monthly judicial state salary on September 1, 2025. They must complete the purchase and required deposits by September 1, 2027. The credit adds service counted toward retirement benefits, but requires an upfront payment.

Returning judges face new pension rules

Beginning September 1, 2025, retired Texas Plan Two judges returning to full-time judicial work can elect to rejoin the pension system. Service by assignment does not qualify. Judges must have left judicial service for at least six full consecutive months before taking the oath. They must notify the system within 60 days after the oath, using the system's required form. Without electing to rejoin, returning judges cannot regain membership or earn credit for the resumed service. Those who rejoin pay 9.5% of state pay each payroll period. After at least 24 months back, their pension is recalculated using their highest annual state salary in a covered judicial office and added service credit. With less than 24 months, their previous pension payments resume, and contributions for resumed service are refunded. For optional annuities under Section 839.103(a)(3) or (4), remaining payment months are reduced by months already paid before returning.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Greg Bonnen

    House

  • Joan Huffman

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 310 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 141 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

Record vote

Yes: 145 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Finance

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. See remarks for effective date

    5/15/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    5/15/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/6/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    5/5/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/5/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    4/30/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    4/30/2025Senate

  8. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    4/30/2025House

  9. Record vote (RV#960)

    4/30/2025House

  10. Passed

    4/30/2025House

  11. Read 3rd time

    4/30/2025House

  12. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    4/29/2025House

  13. Record vote (RV#936)

    4/29/2025House

  14. Passed to 3rd reading

    4/29/2025House

  15. Read 2nd time

    4/29/2025House

  16. Placed on General State Calendar

    4/29/2025House

  17. Considered in Calendars

    4/25/2025House

  18. Committee report sent to Calendars

    4/25/2025House

  19. Transferred to Calendars Committee

    4/25/2025House

  20. Considered in Local & Consent Calendars

    4/25/2025House

  21. Comm. report sent to Local & Consent Calendar

    4/23/2025House

  22. Committee report distributed

    4/22/2025House

  23. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    4/22/2025House

  24. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    4/17/2025House

  25. Recommended to be sent to Local & Consent

    4/17/2025House

Bill Text

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