This bill amends the Kansas public employees retirement system by redefining the classification of teachers and transferring their membership from the Kansas public employees retirement system act of 2015 to the Kansas public employees retirement system act of 2009. Specifically, it establishes that any teacher first employed by a participating employer on or after July 1, 2025, will be a member of the 2009 system. Additionally, all active and inactive teacher members currently enrolled in the 2015 system will have their membership transferred to the 2009 system on January 1, 2026. The bill ensures that all contributions and service credits prior to this transfer will be honored under the 2009 provisions, and teachers will retain their rights and benefits.

The bill also includes a definition of "teacher" as any professional employee required to hold a teaching certificate in any school district or as an instructor in a technical or community college. It amends K.S.A. 74-49,301, which will now reflect these changes, and repeals the existing section. The bill emphasizes that the board of trustees will manage the transfer process to ensure compliance with federal regulations and that employer contributions will be utilized to offset the costs associated with this transition. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the retirement system for teachers while maintaining their benefits and rights.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-49, 74-4901