This bill amends the Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System regulations regarding the reemployment of retired bus drivers, now referred to as "bus operators." Key changes include the ability for retired bus operators to return to work in either full-time or part-time positions without the previous restrictions on their retirement benefits. Specifically, the bill allows retirees who return to work within six months of retirement to have their benefits suspended during their active service, while those returning after July 1, 2024, will have a twelve-month suspension period. The bill also mandates that both the reemployed bus operators and their employers contribute to the retirement system during the reemployment period, although the operators will not accrue additional service credit.

Additionally, the bill repeals a specific provision related to the reemployment of retired bus drivers and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to update terminology throughout the relevant legal texts. Employers who choose to rehire retired bus operators must certify a shortage of qualified personnel and submit a declaration of intent to the retirement system. The bill emphasizes that the status of reemployed bus operators will align with that of full-time active employees, subject to the same rules and policies. Overall, the legislation aims to address workforce shortages in the school transportation sector while ensuring the sustainability of the retirement system.

Statutes affected:
HB39 Original: 11:1006(D), 11:1007(A)(1), 11:1007(C)(3)
HB39 Engrossed: 11:1006(D), 11:1007(A)(1), 11:1007(C)(3)
HB39 Reengrossed: 11:1006(D), 11:1007(A)(1), 11:1007(C)(3)
HB39 Enrolled: 11:1006(D), 11:1007(A)(1), 11:1007(C)(3)
HB39 Act 594: 11:1006(D), 11:1007(A)(1), 11:1007(C)(3)