This bill seeks to amend Alaska's laws regarding the restoration of tenure rights for disabled teachers and the retirement systems for public employees. It allows teachers who were retired due to disability to regain their tenure rights if their disability is removed or compensated through rehabilitation, contingent upon certification from the commissioner of administration. The bill also modifies the Public Employees' Retirement System and the teachers' retirement system, giving employees the option to choose between defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Key amendments include the introduction of new requirements for members receiving disability benefits, such as the necessity to apply for vocational rehabilitation programs and provide proof of enrollment to continue receiving benefits.

Additionally, the bill outlines changes to major medical insurance coverage for retirees, specifying premium payment conditions based on years of service. It allows public employees hired after June 30, 2006, to switch from a defined contribution to a defined benefit retirement plan with specific procedures for transferring contributions. The bill clarifies the roles of the administrator and the board overseeing retirement plans and mandates the commissioner of administration to adopt necessary regulations for implementation. While some sections of the bill will take effect immediately, most provisions are set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB0027A, AM SB 27, introduced 01/10/2025: 14.20.165, 14.25.130, 14.25.009, 14.25.220, 14.25.310, 14.25.590, 14.25.040, 14.40.661, 14.40.799, 14.25.330, 14.25.540, 14.25.050, U.S.C, 14.25.168, 14.25.350, 14.25.167, 39.35.095, 39.35.680, 14.25.070, 14.25.485, 39.35.700, 39.35.990, 39.35.600, 39.35.650, 39.35.160, 39.35.400, 39.35.410, 39.35.535, 39.35.360, 39.35.370, 39.35.750, 39.35.530, 39.35.620, 39.35.625, 39.35.720, 39.35.940, 39.35.255, 39.35.890, 14.25.012, 39.35.957, 39.30.150, 39.30.180, 14.25.360, 39.35.760, 14.25.010, 14.25.320, 14.25.490, 39.35.115, 39.35.678, 39.35.710, 39.35.895, 39.35.003, 14.25.003, 37.10.210