South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HB1177

Introduced
1/30/23  

Caption

Revise the retirement benefits of certain rehired teachers at qualifying public school districts.

Impact

The legislation allows retired teachers, who have been separated from service for at least twelve consecutive months, to be reemployed in their respective school districts. The school district must demonstrate that they made a good faith effort to hire other qualified candidates who are not receiving retirement benefits. This change is set to address teacher shortages by making it easier for experienced educators to return to full-time positions while maintaining their retirement benefits in a structured manner.

Summary

House Bill 1177 aims to revise the retirement benefits for certain rehired teachers within qualifying public school districts in South Dakota. The bill introduces amendments to the existing policies concerning the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retired teachers who return to teaching after retirement. Specifically, it stipulates that the COLA will be eliminated during reemployment unless certain conditions are met, ensuring that these retired members could reenter the system while receiving benefits under new guidelines.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussions on the implications of reemploying retired teachers and the potential effects on younger personnel entering the teaching workforce. Critics argue that this could create a barrier to employment for new teachers by favoring reemployed retirees, potentially impacting the employment landscape and opportunities for fresh graduates in education. Supporters claim that allowing experienced teachers back into the system will enhance educational quality, particularly during staffing shortages.

Expiration

It is important to note that the provisions of this Act are set to expire on June 30, 2026. After this date, the law will revert to its previous state, effectively nullifying the temporary adjustments made by this bill. This built-in sunset clause serves to evaluate the effectiveness of the amendments and their impact on the educational system in South Dakota.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD HB1261

Establish emergency retire-rehire provisions for the South Dakota Retirement System.

SD SB56

Revise certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System.

SD HB1029

Update provisions of the South Dakota Retirement System.

SD HB1368

School districts; authorize certain districts to employ retired teachers while they continue to draw retirement allowance.

SD HB742

School districts; authorize certain districts to employ retired teachers while they continue to draw retirement allowance.

SD HB1121

PERS; retired schoolteachers may be employed as teachers in public school districts and receive retirement allowance and salary.

SD SB2238

Retired teachers; allow to return to teaching for a maximum of five years while receiving retirement benefits.

SD HB994

Retired teachers; allow to return to teaching for a maximum of five years while receiving retirement benefits.

SD HB1008

Revise provisions relating to actuarial terminology used by the South Dakota Retirement System.

SD SB2360

Retired teachers; allow to draw retirement benefits and be reemployed as teachers if having 30 years of creditable service.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.