Assigned to FIN                                                                                                                          FOR COMMITTEE

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1149

 

PSPRS; EORP; tax equity; benefits

 

Purpose

 

            Extends a two percent tax equity increase to Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) and Elected Official Retirement Plan (EORP) members retiring on or after November 1, 2000 but before November 1, 2001.

 

Background

 

            In 1989, as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Davis v. Michigan, legislation was passed that increased the taxation of Arizona retirement income.  To offset for the taxation of pension income above $2,500, a three percent benefit increase was granted to PSPRS members.  Since that time, the Legislature has extended a similar equity increase on six different occasions.  The most recent increase was in FY 1999-2000 at two percent.

 

            Administrators for PSPRS and EORP estimate that the increase for PSPRS members will have a total cost of approximately $7,000 and $17,000 for the EORP.  The general fund portions of these costs have not yet been determined.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Grants a two percent tax equity to PSPRS and EORP members employed before September 15, 1989 and retiring after October 31, 2000 but before November 1, 2001.

 

2.      Stipulates the cost of the benefit increase is payable from the applicable employer cost.

 

3.      Repeals the tax equity increase from and after December 31, 2001.

 

4.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

January 16, 2001