The bill amends Chapter 16-16 of the General Laws, specifically addressing the issue of substitute teaching and post-retirement employment in relation to statewide staffing needs. It introduces a new section, 16-16-24.2, which permits retired teachers, administrators, or staff members to exceed the current 90-day cap on post-retirement employment. This exemption applies when a local education authority identifies a specialized need to fill positions temporarily beyond the 90-day limit, the retired individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to address staffing shortages, and the authority has informed the state retirement board of the need to extend employment duration. Additionally, the employer must demonstrate that they have made a good-faith effort to fill the position with a non-retired employee and must provide written certification of this effort to the employees' retirement system and relevant education unions.

The bill also stipulates that retirees employed under these provisions will not receive additional service credits for such employment. The legislation includes a sunset clause, indicating that unless extended by the general assembly, the provisions of this section will expire on June 20, 2024. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and will also sunset on the same date, June 20, 2024.

Statutes affected:
5040  as amended: 16-16-24
5040: 16-16-24