Governance
SamCERA and its Board of Retirement operate under authority granted by the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, also known as CERL. In addition, SamCERA is governed by the California Constitution, the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), and the regulations, procedures and policies adopted by the SamCERA Board of Retirement. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors may also adopt resolutions and ordinances which may affect the benefits of certain groups of SamCERA members.
Navigation: Retirement Law | Regulations | Policies | Administrative Policies and Procedures | Strategic Plan | Annual Education Compliance Report
Retirement Law
The 2025 edition of the Retirement Law Book contains the following:
- State of California County Classification (Government Code Section 28020)
- Constitution of the State of California Article XVI Public Finance Section 17
- County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL)
- California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA)
- Other Government Code Sections Applicable to CERL Systems
Board of Retirement’s Regulations
The Board of Retirement’s Regulations describe many of the Board’s and SamCERA’s business processes. This includes Board meetings, the election of Board members, and the duties and rights of SamCERA members.
Board Governance Policies
The Board has adopted a set of policies to govern the Board and its activities.
Administrative Policies and Procedures
The Board has adopted administrative policies and procedures to guide staff’s administration of the retirement system.
Board of Retirement Strategic Plan
The Board of Retirement has developed a plan which identifies a long-term and short-term approach to fulfilling their responsibilities, as trustees of the Fund, for the oversight of the administration of the retirement system.
The focus priorities in this plan define the Board’s strategic plan over a five year period. The Board may periodically review and update these priorities, as determined appropriate.
Board of Retirement Annual Education Compliance Report
Government Code section 31522.8 requires SamCERA Board members to receive a minimum 24 hours of education within the first two years of assuming office, and during every subsequent two-year period. It further requires an annual report on Board member compliance be placed on this website.