AUSTIN – After months of negotiations at the Texas State Capitol during the 85th Session of the Texas Legislature, State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) says that major progress has been made to resolve the decades-long problems that jeopardize the future viability of the Dallas Fire & Police Pension Fund.

“Most parties involved have agreed to concepts which provide the framework that will resolve major sticking points that have stalled progress,” said Senator West. “The next step is to draft language that mirrors the concepts, then allow it to be reviewed by the various stakeholders before requesting a hearing sometime next week. The conceptual agreement solves issues related to governance, protects member’s benefits and holds the City of Dallas responsible for the pension plan.”

HB3158 by Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Canton), chairman of the House Pensions Committee passed out of the Texas House of Representatives by a vote of 141- 0 and now awaits a hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee. Senator West was joined at the news conference by fellow Dallas State Senator Don Huffines (R-Dallas). The proposed agreement was reached following three days of non-stop negotiations chaired by Senator West with input from Senator Huffines and Chairman Flynn, the bill’s author.

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