RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 120 (HB 31) 2017 Regular Session Hoffmann
Existing law generally provides that a retiree of the Teachers' Retirement System of La.
(TRSL) may not return to work in a position covered by the system and continue to receive
retirement benefits while reemployed. Further provides exceptions to existing law but
prohibits a retired teacher who returns to work from receiving retirement benefits within the
12-month period following the date of retirement.
Existing law provides that a member who became a member of the TRSL prior to July 1,
1999, and who retires on or after July 1, 1997, at age 60 with five years of service or at any
age with 20 years of service shall receive an annual benefit calculated using a 2% accrual rate
multiplied by the number of years of creditable service. Provides that a member who became
a member of the TRSL on or after July 1, 1999, may retire at any age with 20 years of service
credit with an actuarially reduced benefit.
New law provides that any person who receives a reduced retirement benefit as provided by
existing law shall not be authorized to return to work and receive a benefit provided by
existing law unless the person has been retired for at least 36 months.
Existing law provides that in certain circumstances a retiree may return to work in a "critical
shortage area" (defined in existing law) without reduction of benefits. Such circumstances
include returning as a certified classroom teacher, as a certified speech therapist, speech
pathologist, audiologist, educational diagnostician, school social worker, or school counselor.
New law adds school psychologist to the list of certified professionals who may return to
work in a critical shortage area without reduction of benefits.
Existing law provides procedures for establishing that a "critical shortage area" exists for
purposes of existing law. Requires advertisement in the official journal of the employer's
governing authority and posting of job vacancies at certain post-secondary institutions.
Further limits authority to rehire a retiree for the critical shortage position if more than three
non-retirees apply for the position. New law requires such certification procedures before a
retiree may be reemployed as a school psychologist pursuant to new law.
Effective July 1, 2017.
(Amends R.S. 11:710(A)(3) and (4)(b) and (F); Adds R.S. 11:710(B)(3))