Relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (TRSL), allows retirees rehired as substitute teachers to collect retirement benefits during reemployment under certain circumstances (RE INCREASE APV)
Impact
The legislation modifies existing state law, which previously restricted most TRSL retirees from accruing retirement benefits while reemployed unless they met specific criteria. By expanding the definition of 'retired teacher' to include substitute teachers, the bill is positioned to alleviate teacher shortages in various critical areas, allowing districts to fill gaps more effectively. Additionally, the bill mandates that employing agencies report reemployed retirees' salaries to the TRSL, which is a change aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the system.
Summary
House Bill 19 aims to amend the provisions affecting retired members of the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) by allowing those retired members to work as substitute classroom teachers while still receiving their retirement benefits. Specifically, the bill permits reemployment as a substitute teacher for those who retired previously, as long as their earnings as substitutes do not exceed 25% of their retirement benefits within any fiscal year. This move is intended to address the critical shortage of teachers in certain subject areas by making it easier for retired educators to re-enter the classroom temporarily.
Sentiment
General sentiment towards HB19 appears to be positive, particularly among educators and education advocates, who view it as a beneficial step towards addressing persistent teacher shortages. Proponents argue that enabling retired teachers to substitute without losing benefits encourages experienced individuals to return to the profession, enriching the educational environment. However, some concerns were raised regarding the potential for reduced job security for current teachers if many substitutes are reemployed, indicating a nuanced debate within educational circles.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB19 center around the balance between benefiting from the experience of retired teachers and the implications for current teaching positions. Critics voice concerns that the bill might inadvertently encourage a reliance on retired teachers rather than promoting new hires and that the financial implications of allowing retirees to earn additional income could affect the sustainability of the TRSL. Ultimately, this legislation represents a significant modification to how retired educators can contribute to Louisiana's education system while managing the expected challenges of balancing workforce needs.
Relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), allows retirees rehired as substitute teachers to collect retirement benefits during reemployment under certain circumstances (EN INCREASE APV)
Relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (TRSL), allows certain reemployed retirees to receive retirement benefits during reemployment (EN INCREASE APV)
Relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), allows certain reemployed retirees to receive retirement benefits upon reemployment (EN INCREASE APV)
Increases the earnings allowed in the Teachers' Retirement System of La. for retirees who are reemployed as substitute classroom teachers to fill certain vacancies (EGF INCREASE APV)
Increases the salary cap in the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana retire-rehire law for retirees employed as substitute classroom teachers (RE INCREASE FC SG EX)
Provides for the payment of benefits to retired members of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. who are rehired as adjunct professors (RE INCREASE APV)