The bill amends Chapter 16-16 of the General Laws regarding teachers' retirement by introducing a new section, 16-16-24.3, which allows retired teachers to work as substitutes for up to one hundred eighty (180) days in a school year, exceeding the previous ninety-day (90) cap. This provision is contingent upon the local education authority (LEA) determining a specialized need for temporary positions, confirming that retired teachers possess the necessary skills to address staffing shortages, and notifying the state retirement board of this necessity. Additionally, the LEA must demonstrate that it has made a good-faith effort to fill the position with non-retired employees and provide specific data regarding certified teacher positions, including the total number of certified teacher positions, the number of positions filled, and the number of positions the LEA is seeking to fill.

The bill also stipulates that retired teachers employed under this provision will not earn additional service credits or be responsible for pension contributions; however, the LEA will make employer contributions as if hiring a new teacher. A ninety-day cap will still apply to teachers who retire within one year prior to their employment under this new provision. The act is retroactive to June 20, 2025, and will sunset one year from enactment or on August 1, 2026, whichever occurs first.

Statutes affected:
5322: 16-16-24.2