reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 21 - REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN (§§ 47-21-1 — 47-21-25) › Article 2 - BOARD OF REGENTS RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (§§ 47-21-20 — 47-21-25) › Section 47-21-20 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Actuarial assumptions" means assumptions regarding the occurrence of future events affecting costs of the fund such as mortality, withdrawal, disability, and retirement; changes in compensation and offered post-employment benefits; rates of investment earnings and asset appreciation or depreciation; procedures used to determine the actuarial value of assets; and other relevant items.
(2)
"Actuarially sound" means that calculated contributions to the fund are sufficient to pay the full actuarial cost of the fund. The full actuarial cost includes both the normal cost of providing for fund obligations as they accrue in the future and the cost of amortizing the unfunded actuarial accrued liability over a period of no more than 30 years.
(3)
"Administrative expenses" means all expenses incurred in the operation of the fund, including all investment expenses.
(4)
"Annual required contribution" means the amount determined in accordance with requirements of Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 43, or any subsequent Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that may be applicable to the fund.
(5)
"Board" means the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
(6)
"Covered health care expenses" means all actual health care expenses incurred by the health plan with respect to fund beneficiaries. Actual health care expenses include claims incurred with respect to fund beneficiaries and premiums incurred with respect to intermediary entities and health care providers by the health plan.
(7)
"Employer" means the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and any department or institution of thereof that employs persons who are eligible to participate in the health plan.
(8)
"Fund" means the Board of Regents Retiree Health Benefit Fund established under this article.
(9)
"Health plan" means the board's health insurance plans established pursuant to authority granted to the board pursuant to Code Sections
20-3-31
and
20-3-51
.
(10)
"Obligations" means the administrative expenses of the fund and the cost of covered health care expenses incurred on behalf of fund beneficiaries less any amounts received by or on behalf of fund beneficiaries.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 23,§ 3, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 21 - REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN (§§ 47-21-1 — 47-21-25) › Article 2 - BOARD OF REGENTS RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (§§ 47-21-20 — 47-21-25) › Section 47-21-21 - Creation of fund; purpose

(a)
There is created the Board of Regents Retiree Health Benefit Fund to provide for the employer costs of retiree post-employment health insurance benefits. The fund shall be a trust fund of public funds. The board in its official capacity shall be its trustee and the Chancellor in his or her official capacity shall be its administrator.
(b)
The fund shall be available and dedicated without fiscal year limitations for covered health care expenses and administration costs. All employer and retiree contributions, appropriations, earnings, and reserves for the payment of obligations under this article shall be irrevocably credited to such fund. The amounts remaining in such fund, if any, after such health care expenses and administration costs have been paid shall be retained in such fund as a special reserve for covered health care expenses and administration costs. The board shall determine the time and amounts of distributions from the special reserve for covered health care expenses and administration costs. All assets of the fund shall be used solely for the payment of fund obligations and for no other purpose and shall be protected from creditors of the state and the board.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 23,§ 3, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 21 - REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN (§§ 47-21-1 — 47-21-25) › Article 2 - BOARD OF REGENTS RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (§§ 47-21-20 — 47-21-25) › Section 47-21-22 - Operation of the fund; responsibilities

(a)
Responsibility for the proper operation of the fund is vested in the board.
(b)
The board shall:
(1)
Adopt actuarial assumptions as necessary and prudent;
(2)
Employ such personnel as may be needed to carry out the provisions of this article and such personnel shall be employees of the board. The pro rata share of the costs of operating the board in the manner prescribed by law shall be a part of the administrative costs of the fund;
(3)
Maintain all necessary records regarding the fund in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as applied to the fund;
(4)
Collect all moneys due to the fund and shall pay any administrative expenses necessary and appropriate for the operation of the fund from the fund; and
(5)
Cause to be prepared an annual report of fund activities. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, audited financial statements.
(c)
The board may:
(1)
Adopt any rules and regulations that it finds necessary to properly administer the fund;
(2)
Employ or contract for the services of actuaries and other professionals as required to carry out the duties established by this article; and
(3)
Contract with the Division of Investment Services of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia or such other investment advisers as deemed appropriate and prudent by the board for any necessary services with respect to fund investments.
(d)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board shall be entitled to any information that it deems necessary and appropriate from a university employee retirement system in order that the provisions of this article may be carried out.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 65, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 23,§ 3, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 21 - REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN (§§ 47-21-1 — 47-21-25) › Article 2 - BOARD OF REGENTS RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (§§ 47-21-20 — 47-21-25) › Section 47-21-23 - Actuarial services

(a)
The actuary employed or retained by the board shall provide technical advice to the board regarding the operation of the fund.
(b)
Utilizing the actuarial assumptions most recently adopted by the board, the actuary shall set the annual actuarial present values for the state plan for other post-employment benefits.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 23,§ 3, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 21 - REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN (§§ 47-21-1 — 47-21-25) › Article 2 - BOARD OF REGENTS RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (§§ 47-21-20 — 47-21-25) › Section 47-21-24 - Administration of fund

(a)
The board shall have control over the fund established by this article. The provisions provided for in this article and all administrative expenses shall be paid from the fund. The board may expend moneys from the fund for any purpose authorized by this article.
(b)
The board shall have full power to invest and reinvest its assets, subject to all of the terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions imposed by Article 7 of Chapter 20 of Title 47, the "Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority Law." Subject to such terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions, the board shall have full power to hold, purchase, sell, assign, transfer, and dispose of any securities and investments in which any of the moneys are invested, including the proceeds of any investments and other moneys belonging to the fund.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no member or employee of the board shall have any personal interest in the gains or profits from any investment made by the board or use the assets of the fund in any manner, directly or indirectly, except to make such payments as may be authorized by the board in accordance with this article.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 23,§ 3, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 21 - REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN (§§ 47-21-1 — 47-21-25) › Article 2 - BOARD OF REGENTS RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (§§ 47-21-20 — 47-21-25) › Section 47-21-25 - Annual duties

(a)
The board shall annually determine the minimum annual required contributions sufficient to maintain the fund in an actuarially sound manner in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 43, or any subsequent Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that may be applicable to the fund.
(b)
The board may annually establish employer contribution rates for the purpose of establishing the health plan from fiscal year to fiscal year and additional employer contribution rates in accordance with the health plan for other post-employments benefits.
(c)
It shall be the responsibility of employers to make contributions to the fund in accordance with the employer contribution rates established by the board.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 23,§ 3, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-1 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Accumulated contributions" means the sum of all amounts deducted from the compensation of a member's salary and credited to such member's individual account in this plan, together with earnings thereon as provided in this chapter.
(2)
"Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia.
(3)
"Defined contribution plan" means a plan which provides for an individual account for each participant and for benefits based solely on the amount contributed to the participant's account; any income, expenses, gains, and losses; and any forfeiture of accounts of other participants which may be allocated to such participant's account, which plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code,
42 U.S.C. Section 401(a)
.
(4)
"Employee" means any employee of an employer who is not a member of any public retirement or pension system created pursuant to this title; provided, however, the following persons shall not be considered employees under this paragraph:
(A)
A person performing services for an institution in which such person is duly enrolled as a full-time student;
(B)
A person performing services for an employer pursuant to a contract as a bona fide independent contractor; or
(C)
Members of any state board or commission.
(5)
"Employer" means the state or any department, bureau, institution, board, or commission of the state, the State Board of Education, and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
(6)
"Member" means any employee included in the membership of the plan.
(7)
"Plan" means the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan created by this chapter.
(8)
"Plan year" means the 12 month period beginning July 1 of each year.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 275,§ 29, eff. 5/11/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-2 - Creation of Georgia Defined Contribution Plan

There is created and placed under the administration of the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-3 - Executive secretary

There is created an office known as the executive secretary of the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan, and the director of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia shall serve as the executive secretary of the plan.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-4 - Administration and operation of plan; records; payment of employees and expenses; investment

(a)
The general administration and responsibility for the proper operation of the plan and for putting this chapter into effect are vested in the board.
(b)
The board shall keep a record of all of its proceedings under this chapter, which record shall be open to the public.
(c)
All persons employed by the board and the expenses of the board in furtherance of this chapter shall be paid from funds appropriated to the plan until such time as the board determines that the return on investments is sufficient to cover such costs.
(d)
The board may combine the moneys subject to this chapter with other moneys under the control of the board for purposes of investment, provided that a separate accounting is maintained for all moneys subject to this chapter.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 59, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 103,§ 28, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-5 - Trustee of funds of plan; power to invest funds; conflicts of interest as to investments; custody of funds; vouchers

(a)
The board shall be the trustee of the funds of the plan; may invest and reinvest such funds; and may hold, purchase, sell, assign, transfer, and dispose of any of the securities and investments in which any of the funds created under this chapter shall have been invested, as well as the proceeds of such investments and any moneys belonging to such fund, all in such manner as funds of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia are invested and reinvested.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, no member or person employed by the board shall have a direct interest in the gains or profits of any investment made by the board. No member or employee of the board shall, directly or indirectly, for himself or as an agent, in any manner use the funds of the plan except to make such current and necessary payments as are authorized by the board; nor shall any member or employee of the board become an endorser, surety, or in any manner an obligor for moneys loaned or borrowed from the board.
(c)
The board shall be the custodian of the funds of the plan. All payments from such funds shall be made by the board only upon vouchers signed by two persons designated by the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-6 - Legal adviser

The Attorney General shall be the legal adviser of the board.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 65, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-7 - Membership in plan

Any person who is an employee on July 1, 1992, shall become a member of the plan on such date. Any person who becomes an employee after July 1, 1992, shall become a member on the date such person becomes an employee.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-8 - Member contributions; earnings

Each member shall contribute 7 1/2 percent of such member's gross salary. Such contributions shall be made through payroll deductions. Such amount so deducted shall be credited to the individual account of the member. Earnings shall be credited to each member's account pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the board as prescribed by the plan document.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-9 - Payment of lump sum on termination of employment; continued accrual of earnings absent request for lump sum payment; withdrawal of moneys and closing of account upon cessation of employment; vesting and nonforfeitablility

(a)
Upon the written request of a member who ceases to be an employee, a lump sum amount shall be paid to such person equal to the total amount credited to such member's account at the time the member ceases to be an employee. If no such request is made, the member's account shall continue to accrue earnings in the same manner as any member's account.
(b)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section, if any member who ceases to be an employee has less than such minimum amount as determined by the board, but not more than $5,000.00, credited to such member's account, the board may, at its option, require such member to withdraw all such moneys and the member's account shall be closed; provided, however, that the board's option to require withdrawal of small account balances shall be applied in a consistent manner; provided, further, that if the board provides for mandatory distributions of account balances greater than $1,000.00 and if a member does not elect to have such distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the member in a direct rollover or to receive the distribution directly, the plan shall pay the distribution in a direct rollover to an individual retirement plan designated by the board in accordance with Section 401(a)(31)(B) of the federal Internal Revenue Code.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of this title, a member's account balance in the plan shall at all times be 100 percent vested and nonforfeitable.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 60, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 275,§ 30, eff. 5/11/2009.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 915,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-10 - Lump sum payment on death of member

Upon the death of any member, a lump sum amount shall be paid to such person as the member has nominated by written designation, filed with the board; otherwise to the member's estate. Such lump sum amount shall be equal to the total amount credited to the member's account on the date of the member's death.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 22 - GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (§§ 47-22-1 — 47-22-11) › Section 47-22-11 - Retirement; option to receive periodic payment

Any member shall be entitled to retire upon attaining the age of 65. Such member shall have the option to receive a periodic payment as permitted by the board.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 103,§ 29, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-20 - Administration; membership of the board; term; compensation; quorum

(a)
There is created the Georgia Judicial Retirement System which shall be administered by the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Judicial Retirement System provided for by this Code section.
(b)
The board shall be composed of all members of the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia and three additional members appointed by the Governor, each of whom shall be either:
(1)
A superior court judge;
(2)
A state court judge;
(3)
A district attorney;
(4)
A state court solicitor-general; or
(5)
A juvenile court judge.
(c)
The first members appointed by the Governor pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section shall be appointed to take office on July 1, 1998. The Governor shall designate two of the initial appointees to serve initial terms of two years and one of the initial appointees to serve a term of four years. Thereafter, the Governor shall appoint successors to take office upon the expiration of the respective terms of office for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Such members of the board shall be eligible for successive appointment as members and shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancy for any reason in the membership of the board appointed by the Governor shall be filled by appointment of the Governor for the unexpired term.
(d)
The trustees may receive the daily expense allowance authorized for members of the General Assembly for each day spent attending meetings of the board of trustees and any committee meetings called pursuant to authorization of the board of trustees and for time spent in necessary travel. In addition to such amount, the trustees shall be reimbursed for all actual travel and other expenses necessarily incurred through service on the board of trustees. State officials serving ex officio shall not receive the daily expense allowance but shall be entitled to reimbursement of actual expenses.
(e)
Six members at any meeting of the board shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but the affirmative vote of five members shall be necessary for a decision by the board.
(f)
The officers and director of the board shall be the same as the officers and director of the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-22 - Control of funds; investments

(a)
The board shall be the trustees of the funds and shall have control of the funds provided for in this chapter and all funds received by the board shall be deposited into the Georgia Judicial Retirement System Fund. The benefits provided for in this chapter and all administrative expenses shall be paid from such fund. The board shall have authority to expend the funds in accordance with this chapter.
(b)
The board shall have full power to invest and reinvest such funds, subject to all the terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions imposed by Article 7 of Chapter 20 of this title, the "Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority Law." Subject to such terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions, the board shall have full power to hold, purchase, sell, assign, transfer, and dispose of any of the securities and investments in which any of the funds are invested, including the proceeds of any investments and any money belonging to the fund.
(c)
The board is authorized to employ agents, including, but not limited to, banks or trust departments thereof, and to contract with such agents for their services as advisers and counselors, who will make recommendations for investments and make investments if the board so authorizes.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 103,§ 31, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-23 - Gifts

The board may take, by gift, grant, or bequest, any money, real or personal property, or any other thing of value and may hold or invest the same for the uses and purposes of the retirement system in accordance with this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-24 - Records; audited annual financial statement

The board shall keep permanent records of all its accounts in granting retirement and disability benefits and shall keep proper records and books concerning its operation. Each year the board shall publish an audited annual financial statement of the retirement system.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-25 - Payment of administrative expenses

In order to pay the administrative expenses of the fund and upon the receipt of a request from the board on or after July 1, 1998, and each year thereafter, The Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia, The Council of State Court Judges of Georgia, the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of the State of Georgia are authorized and directed to pay into the fund, from funds appropriated or otherwise available, an amount sufficient to pay the administrative expenses of the fund as certified by the board to The Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia, The Council of State Court Judges of Georgia, the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of the State of Georgia.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 64, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 157,§ 15, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-26 - Administration of fund

The board shall contract with the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia for the administration of the fund.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-27 - Legal adviser

The Attorney General shall be legal adviser of the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-28 - Transfer of contributions from earlier funds

All employer and employee contributions, plus the earnings on such amounts, made to a predecessor retirement system by or on behalf of any member of this retirement system, together with all other funds and assets held by such retirement systems shall be transferred to the Georgia Judicial Retirement System Fund created by this article on July 1, 1998.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-30 - Contract for group term life insurance protection

The board of trustees may provide group term life insurance protection for the members of the retirement system as the survivors benefits program provided for in Code Section
47-23-29
by contracting for such service with the board of trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia for the inclusion of members of this retirement system in the program of group life insurance protection conducted for the benefit of the members of such retirement system. Such contract must provide benefits to those persons entitled to benefits under Code Section
47-23-29
. Contributions for such coverage shall be provided for and collected as set forth in subsection (c) of Code Section
47-23-29
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (§§ 47-23-20 — 47-23-31) › Section 47-23-31 - Plan year designated

For purposes of complying with federal Internal Revenue Service rules and regulations, the plan year for this retirement system shall be the 12 month period beginning on July 1 of each year.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 275,§ 32, eff. 5/11/2009.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 61,§ 5, eff. 6/30/2007.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 997, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-40 - Eligibility

Any person who on June 30, 1998, was an active, inactive, or retired member of a predecessor retirement system shall be transferred to this retirement system in the same status effective July 1, 1998. Any person who on June 30, 1998, was a beneficiary of a predecessor retirement system shall become a beneficiary of this retirement system in the same status effective July 1, 1998; provided, however, that, except as otherwise expressly provided, the benefits of any beneficiary so transferred shall continue to be calculated as such benefits were calculated on June 30, 1998.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-41 - Employee contributions

(a)
Any person who becomes a superior court judge, a judge or solicitor-general of a state court, a juvenile court judge, or a district attorney on or after July 1, 1998, shall be a member of this retirement system and shall make employee contributions into the fund. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person who elected membership in the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia pursuant to Code Section
47-2-260
.
(b)
No juvenile court judge who also serves as a judge or solicitor-general of a state court shall be eligible to obtain separate service under this chapter for each position held, and such service shall be combined for the purposes of this chapter. Any person holding two such positions shall make employee contributions under this chapter on the basis of the compensation received for both such positions, and the compensation received for both such positions shall be combined for all purposes under this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-42 - Judges and solicitors-general of state courts ineligible

Judges and solicitors-general of state courts who are members of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia pursuant to Code Section
47-2-290
shall not be eligible to become members of this retirement system.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-43 - Preservation of prior rights under this Code section by certain attorneys employed by Legislative Counsel or Department of Law

Any person employed pursuant to Code Section
28-4-3
or
45-15-31
who was subject to the former provisions of this Code section as such existed on June 30, 2005, shall retain all rights and obligations as existed on that day. Such persons shall be subject to all provisions of this chapter applicable to solicitors-general of the state courts. Employer contributions shall be paid by the respective employers under such Code sections.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 121,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 78,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 16,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-43.1 - Membership for persons employed by the Office of Legislative Counsel in full-time positions requiring admission to State Bar of Georgia

(a)
On and after July 1, 2020, each individual employed pursuant to Code Section
28-4-3
in a full-time position requiring admission to and good standing with the State Bar of Georgia as a condition of employment shall become a member of this retirement system; provided, however, that each individual so employed as of June 30, 2020, who is not already a member of this retirement system shall remain a member of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia unless he or she elects to become a member of this retirement system on or before June 30, 2021, notifies the board of such election, and pays to the retirement system the remaining amount necessary to pay for the full actuarial cost to the retirement system associated with his or her transfer of service. Upon such election and payment, such an individual shall become a member of this retirement system, the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia shall transfer to this retirement system all employer and employee contributions paid by or on behalf of him or her together with regular interest thereon, and he or she shall receive service in this retirement system toward vesting only in the full amount of the service he or she rendered as an employee while he or she was a member of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia and for which credit was allowable in such system.
(b)
This Code section shall only apply to or affect individuals who are employed on or after July 1, 2020, pursuant to Code Section
28-4-3
in a full-time position requiring admission to and good standing with the State Bar of Georgia as a condition of employment. Members of this retirement system who are so employed shall be subject to all provisions of this chapter applicable to solicitors-general of the state courts, except as otherwise specifically provided by this chapter. For the purposes of this retirement system, for each such member, his or her earnable monthly compensation shall be the full rate of regular monthly compensation paid from state funds to such member employee for his or her full working time.
Added by 2020 Ga. Laws 383,§ 1, eff. July 1, 2020, only if it is determined to have been concurrently funded as provided in Chapter 20 of Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Public Retirement Systems Standards Law".
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-44 - Members receiving benefits from predecessor retirement systems; creditable service with other systems

(a)
The provisions of this Code section shall apply only to persons who become members or beneficiaries of this retirement system by operation of Code Section
47-23-40
.
(b)
Any beneficiary of this retirement system subject to the provisions of this Code section who on June 30, 1998, was receiving a benefit from two predecessor retirement systems shall continue to receive both such benefits from this retirement system as if he or she were a beneficiary of two retirement systems.
(c)
Any member subject to this Code section who on June 30, 1998, is receiving a retirement benefit from one predecessor retirement system and is an active member of another predecessor retirement system shall continue to receive such retirement benefit from this retirement system and shall continue as an active member of this retirement system. Upon complying with all conditions precedent to receiving a benefit under this retirement system, such member shall be entitled to receive both such benefits in the same manner as if he or she were a member of two separate retirement systems.
(d)
Any member subject to the provisions of this Code section who on June 30, 1998, has ten or more years of creditable service in one predecessor retirement system but has not yet begun receiving a retirement benefit and who on such date was an active member of another predecessor retirement system may:
(1)
Continue his or her status in this retirement system as if he or she were a member of two retirement systems, and upon retirement his or her retirement benefits in both capacities shall be calculated as provided under this retirement system; or
(2)
Combine the years of service under the predecessor retirement system with his or her years of service under this retirement system as provided in Code Section
47-23-45
.
(e)
(1)
As used in this subsection, the term "category of covered position" means service as:
(A)
A judge of the superior courts;
(B)
A judge or solicitor-general of a state court or a juvenile court judge; or
(C)
A district attorney.
(2)
Any member subject to the provisions of this Code section who after June 30, 1998, obtains ten or more years of service in one category of covered positions and who subsequently becomes employed in another category of covered position may, at his or her option:
(A)
Consider himself or herself vested in a retirement benefit in the initial position and begin accruing service in the subsequent position as if he or she were a member of two retirement systems; or
(B)
Combine the years of service under this retirement system as provided in Code Section
47-23-45
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-45 - Effect of change in employment

Any member of this retirement system shall be entitled to remain as a member by holding any position or office covered by the fund and shall receive full credit for all service as a member despite his or her change from one position or office to another covered by the fund. Upon becoming eligible for retirement, however, retirement benefits shall be determined in accordance with Code Sections
47-23-101
and
47-23-102
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-46 - Members from District Attorneys' Retirement System

Any member who on June 30, 1998, was entitled to remain a member of the District Attorneys' Retirement System while employed in a position covered by Chapter 2 of this title pursuant to the provisions of Code Section
47-13-40.1
, as such Code section appeared on June 30, 1998, shall have the same privileges with regard to this retirement system. This Code section shall not apply to any other member of this retirement system.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 61, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-47 - Transfer of members' contributions

The board of trustees shall transfer to the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia all contributions made to the fund by a member who transfers to the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; and The Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia, The Council of State Court Judges of Georgia, the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of the State of Georgia, as appropriate, are authorized and directed to pay from the funds appropriated or otherwise available an additional amount equal to the 5 percent contribution of such member plus an additional 20 percent of the contribution, so that the state contribution shall be in accordance with the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 64, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 157,§ 16, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-48 - Election of retirement system; effect of subsequent legislation

(a)
(1)
Any member of this retirement system who is vested for a normal retirement benefit who without a break in service becomes the head of a state department or agency or who is appointed by the Governor to a full-time salaried position on a state board or commission may make a one time irrevocable election to remain a member of this retirement system, in which event the employer and employee shall make all contributions to this retirement system and perform such other acts as are required by law or regulation.
(2)
This subsection shall be applicable to each person who was a member of this retirement system on July 1, 2000, and to any person who becomes a member after that date. Any person eligible to make the election provided for in this subsection shall do so in writing to the board of trustees of this retirement system and the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia not later than September 30, 2000, or within 60 days after the date he or she became employed in a position which would otherwise obligate him or her to become a member of this retirement system, whichever date is later. Once made, the election is irrevocable.
(3)
Any person subject to this subsection who elects to become a member of this retirement system may have accumulated contributions under the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia transferred to this retirement system. The board of trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia shall pay to the board of trustees of this retirement system all employer and employee contributions made by or on behalf of the member, together with regular interest. The member shall be granted only so much creditable service as such amount will warrant without creating any accrued actuarial unfunded liability as to this retirement system; provided, however, that such service credits shall not be used in determining the qualifications of a member for benefits other than vested rights or disability, death, or normal service retirement allowances.
(b)
The provisions of this Code section shall not become a part of the employment contract and shall be subject to subsequent legislation; provided, however, that no person who has made the election provided by this Code section shall be affected by any subsequent legislation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-49 - Membership for full-time judges of the state-wide business court; creditable service

(a)
On and after July 1, 2020, each individual employed full time as a judge in the state-wide business court established pursuant to Article VI of the Constitution shall become a member of this retirement system.
(b)
(1)
Each individual who became a member of this retirement system on July 1, 2020, pursuant to this Code section, shall be entitled to creditable service in this retirement system for his or her service rendered between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, as a full-time judge in the state-wide business court established pursuant to Article VI of the Constitution, provided that he or she pays to the retirement system within one year the total of the employee contributions that he or she would have made during such period if he or she had been a member pursuant to this Code section.
(2)
Each individual who becomes a member of this retirement system pursuant to this Code section shall be eligible to transfer his or her creditable service from the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia to this retirement system, provided that he or she notifies the board of such election within one year of obtaining such membership and pays to the retirement system the remaining amount necessary to pay for the full actuarial cost to the retirement system associated with his or her transfer of service. Upon such election and payment, the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia shall transfer to this retirement system all employer and employee contributions paid by or on behalf of him or her together with regular interest thereon, and he or she shall receive service in this retirement system toward vesting only in the full amount of the service he or she rendered as an employee while he or she was a member of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia and for which credit was allowable in such system.
(c)
An individual who becomes a member of this retirement system pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to all provisions of this chapter applicable to solicitors-general of the state courts, except as otherwise specifically provided by this chapter. For the purposes of this retirement system, for each such member, his or her earnable monthly compensation shall be the full rate of regular monthly compensation paid from state funds to such member employee for his or her full working time.
(d)
All other individuals employed by the state-wide business court established pursuant to Article VI of the Constitution shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of Code Section
47-2-70.1
for new state agencies.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 371,§ 1, eff. July 1, 2020, only if it is determined to have been concurrently funded as provided in Chapter 20 of Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Public Retirement Systems Standards Law".
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-50 - [See Note] Retirement options for state judges serving Fulton County (§ 47-23-50) › 1

Any person who becomes a judge of the State Court of Fulton County on or after July 1, 2004, shall become a member of this retirement system by operation of law and shall not be a member of any other public retirement system.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 63, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 11,§ 1, eff. 4/7/2005.
Added by 2004 Ga. Laws 537, § 2, eff. 7/1/2004.
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP IN THE FUND (§§ 47-23-40 — 47-23-50) › Section 47-23-50 - [See Note] Retirement options for state judges serving Fulton County (§ 47-23-50) › 2

Any person who becomes a judge of the State Court of Fulton County on or after July 1, 2004, shall become a member of this retirement system by operation of law and shall not be a member of any other public retirement system; provided, however, that any such judge may participate in a county's defined contribution plan.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 396,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024, only if it is determined to have been concurrently funded.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 681,§ 63, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 11,§ 1, eff. 4/7/2005.
Added by 2004 Ga. Laws 537, § 2, eff. 7/1/2004.
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 4 - SERVICE CREDITABLE (§§ 47-23-60 — 47-23-65) › Section 47-23-60 - Transfer of service credits

Any creditable service credited to any member of this retirement system pursuant to a predecessor retirement system shall be deemed to be creditable service for the purposes of this chapter, effective July 1, 1998.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 47 - RETIREMENT AND PENSIONS (§§ 47-1-1 — 47-25-101) › Chapter 23 - GEORGIA JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM (§§ 47-23-1 — 47-23-124) › Article 4 - SERVICE CREDITABLE (§§ 47-23-60 — 47-23-65) › Section 47-23-61 - Establishing creditable service

Any member who on June 30, 1998, was entitled to receive creditable service for prior service as a state court judge, state court solicitor-general, or juvenile court judge pursuant to the provisions of Code Section
47-9-41.1
, as such Code section appeared on June 30, 1998, shall be entitled to establish creditable service under this retirement system, under the same conditions, for such prior service rendered prior to July 1, 1998. This Code section shall not apply to any other member of this retirement system.