The bill amends the Kansas public employees retirement system to alleviate teacher shortages by reducing the waiting period for retired teachers to be reemployed in school districts that participate in the retirement system. It allows retired teachers to be hired for positions requiring a teaching license or certificate without a waiting period if they have been retired for more than 60 days (if aged 62 or older) or 180 days (if younger than 62). Additionally, participating employers are required to pay a specified employer contribution rate on the first $40,000 of the retirant's compensation and a 30% contribution on any amount exceeding that. The bill also clarifies conditions under which retirants can be employed without impacting their retirement benefits, emphasizing the absence of prearranged employment agreements prior to retirement.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the normal retirement date provisions for members of the retirement system and specifies the necessary certifications for retirement. It repeals sections K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 74-4914 and 74-4937, introducing new language to ensure compliance with the updated regulations. Importantly, the bill states that earnings limitations will not apply to certain retirants who retired before January 1, 2018, and mandates that participating employers report and certify the employment status of retirants to adhere to these new provisions. This legislation is part of the Kansas teacher shortage relief act and acknowledges the contributions of former Senator Dave Jackson in its development.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-4914, 74-4937