Tennessee House Bill HB2682

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Engrossed: 4/2/24
• Enrolled: 4/18/24
• Passed: 5/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 8, relative to reemployment after retirement.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2682 reflects a significant policy shift within state law regarding the employment of retired officials, specifically in the education sector. It expands reemployment opportunities for law enforcement retirees while aiming to address safety concerns in schools. By permitting these officers to remain in their retirement system while serving as SROs, the law seeks to maintain a pool of seasoned professionals available to the state's educational institutions. This move is strategically aligned with a broader legislative agenda prioritizing student safety across Tennessee's public schools.

Summary

House Bill 2682, enacted to amend Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the reemployment of retirees, particularly addresses the reemployment of retired law enforcement personnel as school resource officers (SROs) in public schools for grades K-12. The bill allows qualified retirees to return to these positions without losing their retirement benefits, provided that specific criteria are met, including a mandatory waiting period following retirement and limitations on the duration of reemployment. The bill, often framed within the context of enhancing school safety, reflects a targeted approach to staffing schools with experienced personnel familiar with law enforcement practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2682 appeared generally supportive among lawmakers, particularly those emphasizing school safety and public security. Those in favor laud the measure as a means of effectively utilizing experienced personnel for the safety of school environments. Conversely, there are concerns expressed by opponents regarding the potential implications for pension systems and the perceived prioritization of 'officer presence' over comprehensive student support services. Nevertheless, the support ratio in legislative voting indicated a preference for the bill's objectives.

Contention

Discussions highlighted several points of contention regarding HB 2682. While proponents advocate for filling safety gaps in schools, critics question the long-term ramifications of allowing retirees to return to active duty in specific roles without losing benefits, potentially complicating the retirement system's viability. Additionally, there are concerns that the bill may inadvertently create precedent for similar hiring practices in other sectors, raising questions about the appropriateness of institutionalizing such measures for school environments. The inclusion of strict criteria for reemployment ensures some oversight but also limits the scope of the bill's beneficiaries.