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HB 5495

AN ACT CONCERNING REVIEW OF DECISIONS BY THE CONNECTICUT STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION BY THE SUPERIOR COURT AND AUTHORIZING APPEALS OF DECISIONS OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINING BOARD.

2026 Regular Session

HB 5495 allows Connecticut state employees to appeal retirement benefits and disability determinations to Superior Court, expanding judicial review and providing greater due pro...

FILE NO. 395
#appealandreview #connecticutmedicalexaminingboard #disabilitybenefits #hearings #stateemployees'retirementcommission #stateemployeeretirement #superiorcourt
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Bill Summary · HB 5495

Legislative bill overview

HB 5495 modifies the judicial review process for Connecticut State Employees Retirement Commission (CSERC) decisions by allowing appeals to Superior Court and establishes a new appeals mechanism for Medical Examining Board determinations. The bill expands the scope of what decisions can be challenged and who may challenge them in court, potentially creating a new tier of appellate review for retirement-related administrative decisions.

Why is this important

This bill directly impacts retired and current state employees by clarifying their legal recourse when disputing retirement benefits decisions. It also affects the Medical Examining Board's determinations, which are critical in disability retirement claims. Expanding judicial review could provide greater due process protections but may also increase litigation costs and administrative burden on the state pension system.

Potential points of contention

  • FISCAL IMPACT: Increased litigation could raise costs for the state and CSERC through legal proceedings and potential settlement obligations
  • TIMELINE CONCERNS: Additional appeals layers may delay benefit determinations for retirees who need timely decisions
  • STANDARD OF REVIEW: The bill's silence on what standard courts should apply (de novo, arbitrary and capricious, etc.) creates ambiguity about how much deference CSERC decisions receive
  • MEDICAL BOARD APPEALS: Unclear what "appeals of decisions of the Medical Examining Board" entails and how this integrates with existing disability review processes
  • EMPLOYEE VS. EMPLOYER INTERESTS: Expanded review could favor employees challenging denials, raising concerns about pension liability and sustainability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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