MS SB2598

Allows retired public school teachers and administrators who have been retired at least 90 days and hold a valid educator license to be rehired as teachers in critical shortage areas and continue receiving retirement benefits plus salary and local contributions.

Removes the previous requirement that retirees must have at least 30 years of creditable service to participate in the program.

Permits school districts to pay retired employees returning to work up to 150% of the standard salary schedule (increased from 125%), with up to 50% going to the employee as salary and 50% paid to PERS as a pension liability assessment.

Allows local education agencies to pay all or part of health insurance premiums for retired employees returning to work as teachers using local education funding.

Limits participation to a maximum of five years of post-retirement employment, which may be performed consecutively or intermittently across multiple school districts, effective July 1, 2025.