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HB 1020

Judicial Retirement System; payment of monthly retirement benefits for creditable service as a district attorney at the age of 65 years; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Efstration and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia allows district attorneys to receive judicial retirement benefits at age 65 based on DA service credible, recognizing prosecutorial experience for pension eligibility.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 1020

Legislative bill overview

HB 1020 modifies Georgia's judicial retirement system to allow district attorneys to receive monthly retirement benefits at age 65 based on their creditable service as a DA, rather than requiring additional judicial service. This change recognizes DA experience as qualifying service for the judicial retirement benefits system that was previously limited to judges.

Why is this important

District attorneys perform prosecutorial functions integral to the judicial system, yet historically could not count their DA service toward judicial retirement benefits. This bill addresses a potential inequity where experienced DAs transitioning to judicial roles or retiring would lose service credit, affecting retirement security for a significant portion of the legal profession and potentially impacting recruitment and retention of qualified prosecutors.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Extending retirement benefits to DAs based on their service years increases long-term obligations for the state retirement system, with costs dependent on how many current/former DAs qualify and their service lengths
  • Scope definition: The bill's language around what constitutes qualifying "creditable service as a district attorney" may need clarification regarding part-time DAs, interim appointments, or service in other prosecutorial roles
  • Equity questions: Other law enforcement or legal professionals (public defenders, solicitors, magistrates) may argue for similar treatment, potentially expanding costs beyond the stated intent

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

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