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SB 1115

Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Adam Hinojosa

Bill expands Texas public retirement system eligibility to include juvenile corrections officers and caseworkers, affecting their retirement service credit calculations and benefits.

Referred to Finance
#employeesretirementsystemoftexas(ers)(v0471) #juvenilejusticedepartment #texas(v0846) #juvenileboards&officers(i0450) #retirementsystems--stateemployees(i0727)
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Bill Summary · SB 1115

Legislative bill overview

SB 1115 would expand eligibility for the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) custodial officer service credit to include juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Currently, these positions may not qualify for the same retirement benefit calculations as other custodial employees, despite performing comparable security and supervisory duties in correctional settings.

Why is this important

Retirement eligibility and service credit directly affect benefit calculations, vesting periods, and long-term financial security for public employees. This change would equalize retirement treatment between juvenile justice staff and other custodial officers, potentially affecting recruitment and retention in a high-turnover sector. The fiscal impact depends on how many employees would be affected and whether the state must contribute additional funds to the retirement system.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to the state: Expanding ERS custodial credit may increase unfunded liabilities or require higher employer contributions to the retirement system
  • Retroactive application: Unclear whether this applies only to future service or includes past employment, which could significantly increase costs
  • Equity questions: Defining which juvenile justice positions qualify and why some may be excluded, potentially creating new categories of unequal treatment

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

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