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Committee advances bill letting judges buy back prior service under same terms as other employees

Ways and Means General Fund · March 19, 2026

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Summary

HB 589 would allow judges to purchase prior federal or other eligible service credit on the same terms as state employees, including compounded interest language in the amendment; committee adopted friendly amendments and advanced the bill by voice vote.

The committee advanced HB 589 after members approved friendly amendments clarifying buyback language and interest calculations.

Chairman Simpson summarized that the bill would allow judges to buy back prior service credit on the same terms as current state employees, addressing cases where judges had been out of the RSA system and not vested. Sponsors said the provision affects multiple employees and does not create a new state expense because employees must pay the actuarial cost.

An amendment offered by a committee member adjusted language on “all credible service” and added compounded interest of 8% annually to the date specified; members described the amendments as friendly and adopted them. The committee then moved, seconded and gave HB 589 a favor report by voice vote.