Governor Abbott Vetoes HB 3207 (87R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 3207 as passed by the Eighty-Seventh Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas relies on a sophisticated set of rules to ensure that current and former teachers’ pension funds are protected, and a key component of that is an “Employment After Retirement” policy that triggers penalties if a retired school employee returns to service in violation of the rules. House Bill 3207 would dismantle that careful architecture, eliminating penalties for violations in any area subject to any disaster declaration. The desire to help both retirees and school children is laudable, but the bill lacks the necessary safeguards. Not every disaster merits the same response, and disaster declarations often must remain in place for an extended period of time in order to ensure the availability of federal assistance long after immediate personnel needs have been met. In order to protect the pension fund, the exception contemplated by House Bill 3207 needs to be tailored to actual needs.
Since the Eighty-Seventh Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 18th day of June, 2021.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor of Texas