TX SB1737

Expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) benefits to include commissioned peace officers employed by the comptroller and the attorney general, in addition to existing agencies (Department of Public Safety, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general)

Adds Texas Juvenile Justice Department employees serving as juvenile correctional officers, caseworkers, or in positions with custodial supervision of youth to the definition of "custodial officer," making them eligible for enhanced retirement benefits

Allows eligible members with at least 10 years of law enforcement or custodial officer service credit to retire at age 55 with service retirement annuity benefits

Requires the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to adopt standards for determining custodial officer eligibility based on hazardous duty criteria, and adds the department to the list of agencies that certify custodial officer status to ERS

Implementation is contingent on the 89th Legislature appropriating sufficient funds to cover costs without increasing unfunded actuarial liabilities, with the ERS board required to publish its finding by October 1, 2025; effective date is September 1, 2025