This bill amends Section 27 of P.L.1966, c.217 (C.43:15A-57.2) to eliminate the salary threshold for retired members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) who return to employment in teaching staff positions at public institutions of higher education. Previously, if a retired member was re-employed in such a position and their compensation exceeded $10,000 per year, they would face cancellation of their retirement allowance and re-enrollment in the retirement system. The bill removes this salary reference, allowing retirees to return to teaching roles without regard to their annual compensation.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the cancellation, re-enrollment, and additional retirement allowance provisions will not apply to former members who are re-employed in positions of critical need as determined by the State Commissioner of Education or a school district superintendent. It also allows for the possibility of renewing contracts for an additional year, provided the total employment period does not exceed two years. These changes reflect the legislative intent to facilitate the return of retired educators to teaching positions without financial penalties, based on a proposal from the New Jersey Law Revision Commission.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-57.2