House Committee on Pensions, Investment, and Financial Services members met on March 1 to discuss the Employee Retirement System and the Teacher Retirement System, among other topics.

TEXPERS System Members will likely keep an eye on the Senate Committee on State Affairs, which reviews legislation under its purview, including pension regulations, during the 88th Legislative Session. 

The first week of Texas' 88th Legislative Session is in recess until Jan. 17, ending a day of debates in the House and drawing of terms in the Senate. 

Legislation that includes retirement provisions affecting public safety employees and state and local government retirement plans is nearing passage on Capitol Hill as part of an end-of-year omnibus spending bill. 

Nov. 14 was the first day of bill prefiling for Texas' upcoming 88th Legislative Session, and 921 bills and resolutions were filed (646 House bills and 198 Senate bills). 

Due to the impending retirement of three Texas senators, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced on March 23 the appointments of their replacements to serve on committees during the interim leading up to the 88th Legislative Session.

House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, recently announced his appointments to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, which determines when state agencies will be abolished if the Legislature doesn't act to extend them.