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HB 5171

Relating to providing a one-time supplemental payment and an annual cost-of-living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One and Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Richard Hayes

HB 5171 grants Texas retired judges a one-time bonus payment and annual cost-of-living raises to maintain judicial pension benefit purchasing power over time.

Referred to Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
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Bill Summary · HB 5171

Legislative bill overview

HB 5171 proposes a one-time supplemental payment to retired judges in Texas, along with establishing an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits under the Judicial Retirement System Plans One and Two. The bill aims to enhance retirement security for members of Texas's judicial pension system, which covers state judges.

Why is this important

Judicial retirement benefits directly affect the attractiveness of the judiciary as a career path and the financial security of retired judges. Cost-of-living adjustments help pension benefits maintain purchasing power over time, particularly important given inflation's impact on fixed incomes. The fiscal implications could be substantial, requiring budget allocation from the state general revenue or pension fund reserves.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost: One-time supplemental payments and ongoing COLA obligations represent significant state expenditures during a period when many states face budget pressures
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether judges should receive COLA adjustments when other public employees or retirees may not, or whether the adjustment rates are comparable
  • Funding mechanism: Unclear whether costs come from general revenue, the pension fund itself, or investment returns—each with different implications for system solvency

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

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