This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow individuals receiving retirement benefits under the Teachers Retirement System to work as critical needs substitute teachers or bus operators for an unlimited number of days each fiscal year, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the county board must adopt a policy addressing areas of critical need for substitute teachers and bus operators, which must be approved by the state board. The policy must ensure that retired individuals can only be employed when no other qualified substitutes are available, and it must be renewed annually. Additionally, the bill establishes that retired teachers and bus operators will not lose their retirement benefits if they meet specific criteria regarding their retirement dates and employment conditions.

The legislation also includes provisions for the posting of vacant positions filled by retired substitutes, requiring that these positions be posted electronically and accessible to prospective employees. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency and compliance with existing retirement regulations, including the submission of affidavits by county superintendents to verify eligibility for post-retirement employment. The provisions of this bill are set to expire on June 30, 2030, ensuring that the effectiveness of these measures can be evaluated before any potential extension.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-2-3
Committee Substitute: 18A-2-3
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 18A-2-3, 18A-4-15a