Bill Caption

Relating to the abolition of the office of the fire fighters' pension commissioner and the transfer and disposition of its functions relating to the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB220, As Engrossed: a positive impact of $173,838 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 220 would, in response to recommendations by the Sunset Advisory Commission, abolish the Office of Fire Fighters’ Pension Commissioner. This office has been responsible for monitoring and assisting pensions organized under the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA), as well as a system for volunteer departments called Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS). According to the Legislative Budget Board, this would save approximately $88,000 per year. SB 220 would require the Pension Review Board to assist these local fire fighter pension plans through this transition.

Analysis: SB 220 would eliminate the Office of Fire Fighters’ Pension Commissioner and require other government entities involved with pensions, such as the Pension Review Board, TLFFRA, and TESRS, to absorb the office’s responsibilities. We support SB 220 because it consolidates government and saves taxpayer dollars.