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Bill

Bill

HB 4802

Relating to certain benefits payable by the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One and the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Richard Hayes and 5 co-sponsors

HB 4802 adjusts retirement benefits for Texas judges in two judicial pension systems, affecting judge compensation and state pension liabilities.

Received from the House
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Bill Summary · HB 4802

Legislative bill overview

HB 4802 modifies benefits payable through Texas's two judicial retirement systems (Plan One and Plan Two), which provide retirement income and related benefits to state judges. The bill has advanced through the House and passed its third reading, indicating it addresses specific adjustments to these benefit structures or eligibility criteria.

Why is this important

Judicial retirement systems directly affect the financial security of sitting and retired judges, which can influence judicial recruitment, retention, and morale. Changes to these benefits also carry fiscal implications for the state budget, as they determine long-term pension obligations and may affect the system's solvency.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: Without knowing whether benefits are being increased or decreased, taxpayers and budget hawks may clash with judicial advocates over state spending priorities
  • Fairness across plans: Plan One and Plan Two may have different member populations or accrual rules, making uniform changes potentially inequitable
  • Precedent concerns: Modifications to judicial benefits could set expectations for similar changes to other state employee retirement systems or prompt comparison arguments about equity among public servants

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

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