This bill amends the School Employees Retirement Act by removing the definition of "prior service," which previously referred to service rendered as a school employee in Nebraska public schools before July 1, 1945. It introduces new definitions and clarifications for terms related to the retirement system, such as "public school," "regular employee," and "final average compensation." The bill aims to modernize the act by streamlining language and ensuring that definitions align with current practices, ultimately improving clarity and effectiveness for school employees in Nebraska.

Additionally, the bill specifies that members who separate from service but have not applied for retirement benefits can return as temporary or substitute employees without losing their retirement status, provided they meet certain conditions. It clarifies the circumstances under which a member's employment is considered terminated and the implications for retirement contributions and service credit. If a member returns to work within 180 days of separation, they may not be deemed to have incurred a termination of employment unless the work is limited to specific types of intermittent or authorized work. Overall, the amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines for the retirement system and the employment status of public school employees in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-902, 79-930