TX HB4537

Expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for Employees Retirement System (ERS) retirement benefits to include commissioned peace officers from the comptroller's office and the attorney general's office, in addition to existing agencies (DPS, TABC, Parks and Wildlife, TJJD inspector general)

Adds Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) employees to the definition of "custodial officer," including juvenile correctional officers, caseworkers, and positions requiring custodial supervision of or close contact with youth in department custody

Allows eligible law enforcement and custodial officers to retire at age 55 with at least 10 years of service credit in those positions and receive service retirement annuity benefits from the law enforcement and custodial officer supplemental retirement fund

Requires TJJD to adopt standards for determining custodial officer eligibility based on hazardous duties, and requires employing agencies to certify officer names to ERS within 12 days of employment changes

Implementation contingent on the 89th Legislature appropriating sufficient funds to cover costs without increasing unfunded actuarial liabilities; ERS board must publish its funding determination in the Texas Register by October 1, 2025