TN SB2058

Creates the "Supporting Troopers through Advanced Retirement (STAR) Act" establishing a new defined benefit retirement plan for Tennessee Highway Patrol state troopers, effective July 1, 2026

Provides enhanced retirement benefits of 3% of average final compensation per year of service, up to 75% maximum at 25 years, with no minimum retirement age once 25 years of service is reached

Requires participating troopers to contribute 5% of monthly earnings; legacy plan members must pay a one-time buy-in of 5% of career average base salary within one year, while hybrid plan members have no buy-in requirement

Establishes a Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) allowing troopers with 25+ years of service to continue working up to 8 additional years while retirement benefits accumulate in a separate account

Sets vesting at 5 years for current troopers electing into the plan and 10 years for those hired on or after July 1, 2026; existing members must elect to join by October 1, 2026