New Jersey Assembly Bill A1193

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Permits teacher and professional staff member who provides special services retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF if employment commences during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.

Impact

By permitting reemployment of certified teachers during the public health emergency, A1193 seeks to enhance the capacity of school districts to respond effectively to staffing shortages. The bill stipulates that the total period of employment with a single board of education must not exceed two years, unless the Commissioner of Education qualifies it as being in the best interests of the school district. Consequently, this provision offers school boards flexibility in restoring experienced educators to the workforce during challenging times.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1193 allows retired teachers from the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to return to work in a full-time capacity under certain conditions during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This legislation aims to address anticipated teacher shortages that may arise due to the pandemic. Specifically, retired teachers can be reemployed in positions deemed critical by the State Commissioner of Education without being subject to reenrollment in the TPAF, provided they are returning to employment more than 180 days after their retirement.

Contention

The bill may generate discussion regarding the implications for the integrity of the pension system and whether it encourages or dissuades retirement among educators. Critics may argue that allowing retirees to return to work could undermine the rationale behind retirement benefits, while supporters see it as a necessary adjustment to meet urgent staffing needs. Concerns about maintaining high educational standards during the pandemic may also shape the debate around the provisions of A1193.