S.B. No. 1737 aims to amend the Employees Retirement System of Texas to enhance service retirement benefits for certain law enforcement and custodial officers. Key changes include the definition of "custodial officer," which now explicitly includes members employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and those in positions that allow for service credit as custodial officers. Additionally, the bill introduces new standards for determining eligibility for service credit as custodial officers, particularly focusing on encouraging early retirement for those in hazardous roles. The definition of "law enforcement officer" is also updated to include various state departments and agencies, ensuring a broader recognition of roles eligible for retirement benefits.

The bill outlines the process for certifying employment status and service credit for law enforcement and custodial officers, mandating that relevant governmental entities report this information to the retirement system. It specifies that the changes will apply to members employed on or after the effective date of the Act, with provisions for recognizing prior service credit. The implementation of these changes is contingent upon sufficient funding from the 89th Legislature, and the Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 811.001, Government Code 813.506, Government Code 814.104, Government Code 815.505 (Government Code 811, Government Code 814, Government Code 815, Government Code 813)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 811.001, Government Code 813.506, Government Code 814.104, Government Code 815.505 (Government Code 811, Government Code 814, Government Code 815, Government Code 813)
Engrossed: Government Code 811.001, Government Code 813.506, Government Code 814.104, Government Code 815.505 (Government Code 811, Government Code 814, Government Code 815, Government Code 813)
House Committee Report: Government Code 811.001, Government Code 813.506, Government Code 814.104, Government Code 815.505 (Government Code 811, Government Code 814, Government Code 815, Government Code 813)