The resumption of service by certain judicial officers under the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two

Texas House Bill 4641, introduced in March 2025, aimed to allow certain retired judges under the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two to return to active service without forfeiting their retirement benefits. The bill sought to address judicial shortages by enabling experienced judges to resume duties while continuing to receive their pensions. However, the bill was left pending in committee on April 14, 2025, and did not progress further.

Supporters of HB 4641 argued that the bill would help alleviate judicial shortages by allowing experienced judges to return to the bench without financial penalty. They contended that this measure would enhance the efficiency of the judicial system by leveraging the expertise of retired judges.

Critics of HB 4641 expressed concerns that allowing retired judges to collect both a salary and a pension could strain the state's retirement system financially. They also raised questions about the fairness of such a policy, suggesting it might create disparities among public servants regarding retirement benefits.