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HB 895

Legislative Retirement System; increase retirement benefit amounts payable to certain legislators upon retirement

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Marie Stinson

House Bill 895 boosts retirement benefits for Georgia legislators, raising monthly payouts to $75 per service year, enhancing financial security for active and returning members.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 895

Summary of House Bill 895

Bill Number: HB 895
Title: Legislative Retirement System; increase retirement benefit amounts payable to certain legislators upon retirement
Status: House Second Readers
Introduced: March 31, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 895 aims to amend the Georgia Legislative Retirement System by increasing the retirement benefits for legislators. The bill seeks to enhance the financial security of legislators upon retirement, particularly for those who are active members as of January 1, 2026, and for those who join the system after that date.

Key Provisions

  1. Increased Monthly Retirement Benefits:

    • For members active on or after January 1, 2026:
      • The monthly retirement benefit will increase from $50 to $75 for each year of creditable service.
      • Members who served as presiding officers will see their benefit increase from $200 to $300 per year of service in that capacity.

  2. Eligibility for Inactive or Retired Members:

    • Any inactive or retired member who resumes contributing to the retirement system after January 1, 2026, will be eligible for the increased benefits based on their service earned after this date.

  3. Effective Date and Funding Conditions:

    • The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, but only if it is determined to be concurrently funded as required by the Public Retirement Systems Standards Law. If not funded, the bill will be automatically repealed on the same date.

  4. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws that conflict with its terms.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Current and future members of the Georgia Legislative Retirement System, particularly those who are active members as of January 1, 2026, and any inactive or retired members who return to service after this date.

  • Financial Implications:

    • The increase in retirement benefits may have significant fiscal implications for the state budget, as it will raise the amount payable to retiring legislators.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • April 2, 2025: First reading in the House.
  • April 4, 2025: Bill moved to House Second Readers.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 895, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on legislators and the state's retirement system.

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

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