SB 37 Summary

• Restores tenure rights for disabled teachers whose disabilities have been removed or compensated through rehabilitation, with certification required from the commissioner of administration.

• Allows teachers and public employees first hired after June 30, 2006, to make a one-time election within 90 days of hire to participate in the defined contribution plan instead of the defined benefit plan, with ability to transfer all contributions.

• Requires newly hired teachers and public employees (after June 30, 2006) who receive disability benefits to apply for vocational rehabilitation within 30 days or face benefit termination.

• Provides defined benefit plan options for members who first become eligible after June 30, 2006, including Medicare-based retiree health insurance premium adjustments ranging from 10-30% based on years of service.

• Changes employer participation requirements so that all employers participating in defined contribution retirement plans must also participate in corresponding defined benefit retirement plans.