HI SB2526

Allows the State and counties to rehire retired public employees for positions identified as "unique and critical to operations," defined as requiring a high degree of specialized knowledge and experience.

Retirees hired in these critical positions after June 30, 2026, are limited to a maximum of four years of total reemployment, after which they must separate from government employment.

Rehired retirees may continue receiving pension benefits without reenrollment in the retirement system, provided they were not employed by the State or county during the 12 months prior to reemployment and had no pre-retirement return-to-work agreement.

Employers must contribute to the pension accumulation fund based on the rehired retiree's compensation to help amortize the system's unfunded actuarial accrued liability.

Requires annual legislative reports detailing retiree employment in critical positions, including the number and types of positions filled.