Legislative Activity Related to ERS

ERS will monitor for legislation related to our benefits and operations during the 88th Texas Legislature. Check this page regularly for updates on bills that could affect ERS’ benefits programs and operations.

Sign up for email updates on ERS-related legislative activity.

Links to legislative recordings:  

Filed Legislation Affecting the Employees Retirement System of Texas, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session

BillAuthorSummaryFebruary 17, 2023
General Appropriations Bills
SB 1
Huffman

Retirement:

  • ERS – Maintains state contribution rates of 9.5% for both years of biennium; plus an additional state agency contribution at the rate of 0.5% of base payroll. Appropriated $510M each year of the biennium in Legacy Payments. Appropriated $1B for a one-time additional Legacy Payment (estimated that with this additional, one-time payment, the state will avoid $5.5B in interest over the life of the Legacy Payment schedule)
  • LECOSRF –  Increased the state contribution of by 1% (for 1.5% total) to meet LECO Plan normal cost. Appropriated a single lump sum of $750M to eliminate the LECO unfunded liability
  • JRS 2 – Increased the state contribution by 3.587% (for 19.25%) to meet the JRS2 Plan normal cost. Appropriated a single lump sum of $105B to eliminate the JRS2 unfunded liability

Group Health Plan: 

  • Fully funded
  • Maintains current 100% member and 50% dependent state contribution
  • Maintains 1% of base payroll contribution from participating state agencies and higher education institutions
HB 1

Bonnen 
Retirement
HB 548VasutAuthorizes a supplemental annuity (13th check) in the lesser of an annuitant’s monthly payment or $2000.
Filed 11/14
HB 830AllenAuthorizes a one-time 10% COLA, an annual 4% COLA, and a supplemental annuity (13th check) in the lesser of an annuitant’s monthly payment or $2000.
Filed 11/29
HB 1393FrankCreates new optional retirement annuity that begins at an actuarially reduced amount, but increases over time.
Filed 1/18
HB 1473RoseIncrease the multiplier for retirement groups 1, 2, and 3 from 2.3% to 2.7%File 1/19
HB 1651CookAllows the ERS board of trustees to adopt an alternative definition of correctional officers employed by the Juvenile Justice Department permitting their participation in the enhanced LECO benefit.
File 1/25
SB 729HuffmanTechnical corrections to the cash balance benefit for individuals employed by the state on or after 9/2/2022.
Filed 2/7
HB 2406GerenPermits peace officers employed by the Attorney General to participate in LECO supplements retirement benefit.
Filed 2/16
Chapter 615
(Survivor benefits for officers killed in the line of duty)
SB 115HuffmanWould provide Chapter 615 benefits to survivors of Texas Military killed on duty in active duty.
Filed 11/14
HB 90PattersonFiled 11/14
HB 434Leo-WilsonWould provide Chapter 615 benefits to survivors of Texas Military killed on duty in active duty.
Filed 11/14
HB 835RaymondFiled 12/1
Insurance
Insurance - Coverages
SB 155HuffmanRequires health plans, including the GBP, to permit participants to choose hearing aids.
Referred to Finance 2/15
HB 90PattersonFiled 11/14
SB 51Zaffirini
Requires health plans, including the GBP, to permit participants to choose hearing aids.
Referred to Health & Human Svs 2/15
HB 109Johnson J.Filed 11/14
HB 118CortezRequires health plans, including the GBP, to offer prostate cancer screening at no cost.
Filed 11/14
HB 134BernalRequires health plans, including the GBP, to provide full coverage for cranial remolding orthosis.
Filed 11/14
HB 340 ThompsonRequires health plans, including the GBP, to cover treatment of serious emotional disturbance of a child.
Filed 11/14
HB 526WuWould permit a health care provider to submit a blood sample for additional screening for HIV.
Filed 11/14
SB 807PaxtonRequires a health plan, including the GBP, to cover a 12-month supply of a contraceptive drug when refilled.Filed 2/9
HB 916OrdazFiled 12/8
Insurance - Plan Design/Funding
HB 839Gonazalez, J.
Prohibits a health plan, including the GBP, from requiring prior authorization for a drug prescribed to treat an infectious disease.
Filed 12/1
HB 840GatesRequires the ERS board of trustees to develop a bundled pricing program for health care provided by the GBP.
Filed 12/1
SB 358Kolkhorst
Requires certain health plans, including the GBP, to establish a shared savings program.
Filed 1/18
HB 1364MunozAllows individuals to pay a health care provider directly rather than file a claim.
Filed 1/17
SB 583HughesReferred to Finance 2/17
Insurance - Eligibility
HB 1455Anchia
Permits wrongfully imprisoned individuals to enroll their dependents in the GBP.
Filed 1/19
Investments
HB 2068PaulRequires ERS to invest based solely on pecuniary interests.
Filed 2/8
Contracting
HB 982 TothPrevents state agencies from contracting with entities that adhere to environmental, social, and guidance criteria.
Filed 12/12
HB 1089Rosenthal
Repeals chapters of the Texas Government Code that prohibit state agencies from contracting with companies that boycott Israel, boycott firearms, and boycott fossil fuels.
Filed 12/21
HB 1090RosenthalRepeals chapter of the Texas Government Code that prohibit state agencies from contracting companies that boycott Israel.
Filed 12/21

 

Legislative Presentations & Resources