H.B. No. 4945 mandates a study by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to evaluate the feasibility of providing alternative service retirement benefits for members engaged in wildland firefighting or related positions. The bill introduces a new section, 825.1086, to the Government Code, which outlines the parameters of the study. It requires the retirement system to assess the costs and impacts of offering specific retirement benefits, including a new tier named "Hazardous Duty" for eligible wildland firefighters and a "Hazardous Duty-Administrative Support" tier for those in supportive roles. The study will also explore the necessary contributions from both employers and employees to maintain the actuarial soundness of the retirement system.

The bill stipulates that the retirement system must coordinate with the Texas A&M Forest Service to identify qualifying positions and determine the financial implications of the proposed benefits. A report detailing the findings of the study is required to be submitted to the legislature by December 31, 2026. The section establishing this study will expire on September 1, 2027. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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