House Bill 765 Summary

• Extends the repealer date of the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2027, maintaining programs for teacher recruitment, relocation reimbursement, and housing assistance.

• Creates new Section 25-11-126 allowing retired teachers with 30+ years of creditable service to return to work in critical shortage areas while continuing to receive retirement benefits for up to five years total.

• Permits school districts to allocate up to 125% of the standard salary schedule for retired teachers, with up to 50% paid as salary and the remaining 50% paid to PERS as a pension liability assessment.

• Revises the William F. Winter and Jack Reed, Sr., Teacher Loan Repayment Program to allow graduate loans, extend eligibility to nontraditional route teachers, and permit recipients to receive up to three awards subject to available funds and board limitations.

• Authorizes school boards to use motor vehicles other than school buses to transport small groups of students (fewer than 16) for school-related activities, with specified safety requirements and driver qualifications.