Tennessee Senate Bill SB2017

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Engrossed: 2/23/26
• Enrolled: 4/29/26
• Passed: 5/22/26
• Chaptered: 5/27/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 34, Part 6, relative to creditable service for a period of disability.

Impact

If enacted, SB2017 would significantly impact state and local government employees, particularly those in law enforcement. The law establishes a mechanism for these employees, particularly state police officers, to have retirement credit accrued without personal cost during their periods of disability. This is a notable change because it could mitigate financial burdens associated with periods of disability, thus supporting officers in their financial planning and security.

Summary

Senate Bill 2017 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code concerning retirement credit for members who experience a period of disability. The bill allows members not employed by a political subdivision to establish retirement credit at any given time during or after receiving temporary disability benefits under a workers' compensation program. Significant provisions of the bill include the requirement for employing departments or agencies to provide certification of the period of disability and salary prior to the disability. This framework enables members to ensure that their retirement accounts are crediting for the entire duration of their disability, enhancing their future retirement benefits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2017 is largely supportive among public safety officials and employee advocacy groups who view it as a necessary step towards safeguarding the financial wellbeing of employees who can face hardships due to temporary disabilities. However, concerns may arise regarding the financial implications for local governments, given that they may need to adapt their budgets to accommodate these new retirement credits.

Contention

Notable points of contention may focus on the bill's potential impact on the financial responsibilities of political subdivisions adopting these provisions. The proposal allows political subdivisions to choose whether to implement this bill, which could lead to disparities in retirement benefits among similar positions in different regions. Critics of the bill may question the financial sustainability of these provisions and their broader implications for budget allocations within local governments.