WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 935

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by John Curran

SB 935 enhances retirement benefits for Tier 2 judges in the Employees' Retirement System, clarifying credited service and vested benefits for better financial security.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 935

Summary of Bill SB 935: Relating to Government

Bill Number: SB 935
Title: Relating to Government
Status: Act 290, effective July 3, 2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1393)
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Primary Sponsor: Senator Kanuha

Purpose and Intent

Bill SB 935 aims to amend provisions related to retirement benefits for Tier 2 members of the Employees' Retirement System (ERS), specifically focusing on judges and their credited service. The bill seeks to enhance the retirement allowance and clarify the vested benefit status for these members, ensuring they receive fair and adequate retirement benefits.

Key Provisions

  • Retirement Allowance Adjustments: The bill proposes modifications to the calculation of retirement allowances for Tier 2 members of the ERS, particularly for judges.
  • Credited Service Clarification: It clarifies how credited service is calculated, which is essential for determining retirement benefits.
  • Vested Benefit Status: The bill addresses the criteria for vested benefits, ensuring that judges and other Tier 2 members have a clear understanding of their retirement entitlements.

Affected Parties

  • Judges: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are judges who are Tier 2 members of the ERS. The changes will directly impact their retirement benefits and financial security post-retirement.
  • Employees' Retirement System (ERS): The ERS will need to implement the changes outlined in the bill, which may involve administrative adjustments to their systems and processes.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 17, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • March 6, 2025: Bill passed First Reading.
  • April 30, 2025: Passed Final Reading in the Senate and House with amendments.
  • July 3, 2025: Signed into law as Act 290.

The bill underwent several amendments and discussions in various committees, including the Labor (LAB), Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), and Finance (FIN) committees, before reaching its final form. The legislative process included multiple readings, committee reports, and a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.

Conclusion

SB 935 represents a significant step towards improving the retirement benefits for judges within the ERS. By clarifying the rules around credited service and vested benefits, the bill aims to provide greater financial security for judges upon retirement, reflecting a commitment to supporting public servants in their post-career life.

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

Sign in to ask a question.