This bill amends current law regarding retired members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) who return to employment in teaching staff positions at public institutions of higher education. Specifically, it eliminates the existing salary threshold of $10,000 per year that previously exempted these retirees from cancellation and re-enrollment requirements upon re-employment. The bill clarifies that former members who return to teaching positions will not have their retirement allowance canceled, regardless of their compensation level, thereby allowing for greater flexibility in hiring retired educators.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that allow for the re-employment of retired members in positions of critical need as determined by the State Commissioner of Education or a local superintendent, without the cancellation and re-enrollment requirements applying. It also stipulates that former members can renew their contracts for an additional year, provided their total employment does not exceed two years. These changes are intended to address staffing shortages in education while ensuring that retirees can return to work without losing their retirement benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-57.2