Senate Pensions and Labor Committee advances one-time supplemental reserve payment for retirees, 10-0

The Senate Pensions and Labor Committee on Tuesday advanced House Bill 1145 — described by members as a one-time "supplemental reserve payment" often called a "thirteenth check" — and voted unanimously, 10-0, to recommit the measure to the Appropriations Committee.

Senator Buchanan, the bill sponsor, told the committee HB1145 would provide a supplemental retirement benefit to eligible members of multiple state funds including the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund, the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund, certain state police and conservation enforcement funds, and related plans. Buchanan characterized the proposal as mirroring limited cost‑of‑living adjustments available outside state government and said the supplemental account that would fund the payment is financed by a small surcharge paid by current employees.

The committee heard several supporters testify. Laura Penman of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association said, "This does mean a lot to the diverse group that I represent," urging passage to help retirees who are struggling daily. Rod Alsasser, president of ISTA's retired portion, said his members "rise in support of House Bill 11 45." Jeff Wells of the Indiana Conservation Officers FOP likewise said the organization's active and retired members support the bill. Jessica Love, executive director of the Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPIA), told the committee the estimated cost of the one‑time benefit is "under $62,000,000" and said there is roughly $272,000,000 uncommitted in the supplemental account that could be used to fund the payment; those figures were provided in her testimony.

Committee members also discussed whether to rename the payment to avoid public confusion. Several senators favored the term "supplemental reserve payment" over "thirteenth check," citing concern that the shorter label could be misinterpreted by reporters or the public. Members also asked to be added as co‑sponsors.

No opposition witnesses spoke during the hearing and no floor amendments were offered in committee. Chair Rogers said the committee would send the bill to appropriations for additional fiscal review; the roll call on the recommit motion produced a recorded tally announced by the chair as 10 to 0.

The next procedural step is consideration by the Appropriations Committee, where fiscal impacts and implementation details will be reviewed.