Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB515

Introduced

10/18/23

Refer

10/18/23

Failed

4/15/24

Caption

Rehired annuitant teachers in the Wisconsin Retirement System. (FE)

Impact

This legislation seeks to amend specific statutory provisions regarding the reemployment of annuitants in the WRS. It establishes conditions under which a retired teacher may rejoin a participating school district without forfeiting their annuity, provided certain criteria are met. It allows for increased workforce flexibility within Wisconsin schools, potentially addressing teacher shortages while providing retired educators the opportunity to contribute without compromising their retirement benefits.

Summary

Assembly Bill 515 addresses the employment of individuals who have retired from teaching positions and are receiving annuities from the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The bill proposes an allowance for certified teachers who have previously retired to return to work for a school district while simultaneously continuing to receive their retirement annuities. This move diverges from standard policy, where an individual's annuity is suspended upon reemployment in a qualifying position within the system, thus addressing a significant barrier for retired teachers seeking to return to work.

Contention

The bill discusses particular stipulations surrounding the reemployment of annuitants, notably ensuring retirees do not possess pre-existing agreements to be rehired at the time of retirement. This provision has stirred discussion as it emphasizes the need for regulatory measures that balance the financial security of retired educators while supporting school districts’ staffing needs. Some stakeholders might advocate for broader access to reemployment benefits, while others may critique the conditions placed on returning teachers, potentially influencing the bill's acceptance.