Relating to cost-of-living increases applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

HB 1596 requires the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to adjust certain retirement, disability, and death benefits annually for inflation starting in 2026. The adjustment rate will match the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) used for Social Security benefits. The system's board must set this rate each October, but can only apply the increase if the system is financially stable and has sufficient funds available. The bill applies to benefits paid on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025.