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Bill

SB 1738

Relating to the Judicial Retirement System Plan Two, including resuming service in the retirement system and contributions to the retirement system.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Greg Bonnen and 1 co-sponsor

Texas law now allows retired judges to resume judicial service while rejoining the retirement system and resuming contributions.

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Bill Summary · SB 1738

Legislative bill overview

SB 1738 modifies Texas's Judicial Retirement System Plan Two by allowing retired judges to return to active judicial service while resuming participation in the retirement system. The bill also adjusts contribution requirements for judges who resume service, potentially affecting both state pension obligations and judicial workforce flexibility.

Why is this important

Texas faces judicial staffing challenges and case backlogs in some districts. This bill enables experienced retired judges to return to work without permanently forfeiting retirement benefits, providing a mechanism to address judicial capacity issues. However, it creates potential financial implications for the state pension system and raises questions about equity among judges with different career trajectories.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension system costs: Allowing judges to resume contributions while receiving retirement benefits could increase long-term state pension liabilities and costs to taxpayers
  • Fairness concerns: Judges who retired under different rules may feel disadvantaged by new opportunities available to others, and the two-tier system creates unequal treatment
  • Work incentives: The provision might inadvertently discourage younger judges from remaining in service long-term if they perceive better financial outcomes from retiring and returning strategically

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

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