HB 552 Summary

• Allows K-12 education employers to hire retired teachers (retired at least 24 months) for one full academic year without limiting compensation or suspending retirement allowances when unable to fill positions with qualified candidates.

• Requires employers to submit documentation including job posting proof, signed affidavit that no qualified applicants were received, and State Superintendent of Education certification approving the hire due to statewide shortage of qualified applicants.

• Retired teachers employed full-time receive the same compensation and paid leave as other full-time teachers based on experience, degree, and credentials, with employers responsible for all health insurance and retirement contributions.

• Prohibits retired teachers from accruing additional service credit or making retirement contributions during reemployment, and prevents employment in consecutive academic years (requires at least one-year break between employments).

• Becomes effective June 1, 2021, and repeals June 1, 2025.