The bill, S.B. No. 192, proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at reimbursing public schools for costs associated with hiring retired teachers. Specifically, it mandates the commissioner to create a program that will provide financial support to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and certain specialized schools for the increased contributions to the Teacher Retirement System when hiring teachers who retired before September 1, 2024. The bill also allows the legislature to modify eligibility criteria, including the retirement date and specific qualifications for the retired teachers, as well as prioritizing grants for schools that hire teachers for special education or bilingual education.

The implementation of this grant program is set to begin with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill includes provisions for the appropriation of funds and outlines that if the demand for grants exceeds the available budget, the commissioner will prioritize schools with the greatest need. Additionally, the funds received can be used to fulfill required payments under existing government code provisions. The bill will take effect immediately if it secures a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()