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Bill would allow retired teachers to mentor new hires without losing retirement benefits, proponents say
Summary
House Bill 359 would add an exception to the 120‑day break-in-service rule so retired teachers may be employed to mentor newly hired teachers without jeopardizing Montana Teachers Retirement System benefits; the TRS director said the fiscal note projects no cost to the system and districts would control pay arrangements.
Representative Jamie Isaly introduced House Bill 359 as a narrowly tailored measure to let retired teachers be employed to mentor newly hired teachers without triggering the 120‑day break-in-service prohibition that typically prevents immediate reemployment in Montana public schools.
Advocates testified in support. Kim Popham, director of public policy and research for the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), said the bill would help districts meet accreditation requirements by strengthening induction and mentoring programs and assist recruitment and retention. Rob Watson, representing a coalition of five education organizations, told the committee the bill leverages experienced retired teachers to support new educators and said the change should not harm the Teacher Retirement System.
Sean Graham, executive director of the Montana Teachers Retirement System, appeared as an informational witness. Graham said the fiscal note projects the change will not cost the TRS system or require additional contributions because the bill does not change the annual earning limit. He also explained the policy rationale for the 120‑day break in service: for IRS-qualified defined benefit plans, the separation helps ensure the retirement system meets federal qualification rules for bona fide separation.
Committee members asked about who would pay mentors and how much districts might spend. Witnesses and proponents said mentoring pay varies widely by district; examples cited in testimony put mentor pay between about $100 and $500 (many mentors are unpaid volunteers or receive a small stipend). Members discussed possible local costs but noted that the TRS fiscal note indicates no systemic cost to the retirement system.
Representative Isaly closed, saying the bill is designed to open a pathway for retired teachers to assist new teachers without jeopardizing retirement benefits and urging a due pass. The committee closed the hearing on HB359.
