TX SB1738

Allows retired judicial officers to rejoin the Judicial Retirement System Plan Two if they resume full-time service after being separated from judicial service for at least six consecutive months, with notice required within 60 days of taking the oath of office

Sets member contribution rate at 9.5 percent of state compensation for those who rejoin the retirement system, increased from the previous 6 percent rate

Requires completion of at least 24 months of resumed judicial service to have annuity recomputed to reflect the highest annual state salary earned and additional service credit; those completing less than 24 months receive a refund of contributions and resume original annuity payments

Permits former retirees who have already resumed membership to purchase service credit for prior resumed service by depositing 9.5 percent of their monthly judicial salary, with deadline of September 1, 2027

Takes effect September 1, 2025, with certain provisions taking immediate effect if passed by two-thirds vote; passed Senate 31-0 on April 2, 2025 and House 141-0 on April 30, 2025