The proposed bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish the "Connor Drennan Substitute Teachers' Act," which allows retired teachers with specializations in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), English, or foreign languages to work as long-term substitute teachers in their respective fields for up to 180 days per academic year without losing their monthly retirement benefits. The bill also includes legislative findings that emphasize the importance of employing qualified retired teachers to address persistent teacher shortages and the detrimental impact of retirement limitations on students' education.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding the maximum number of days a retired teacher may work as a substitute without affecting their retirement benefits. It specifies that no additional contributions to the retirement system will be required from employers for these substitute positions, although retirees may choose to contribute if they wish. The changes aim to provide greater flexibility for retired teachers while ensuring that students receive consistent instruction in critical subject areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-7A-38, 18-7E-1, 18-7E-2, 18-7E-3