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Rep. Bagley asks to defer bill to let senator pursue teacher reemployment measure
Summary
Representative Bagley introduced HB 20 to let retired teachers return to short-term posts with superintendent approval and receive their prior salary plus retirement; after questions about insurance and whether the rule limiting retirement pay to 25% would apply, Bagley voluntarily deferred HB 20 so a senator with similar legislation can proceed.
Representative Bagley introduced House Bill 20, a proposal to let retired teachers return to work for short-term assignments at the discretion of local superintendents and receive pay equal to the salary they last earned in addition to their retirement benefit. Bagley told the committee the measure is aimed at filling immediate staffing gaps: "All I'm asking is to give the superintendent the option to hire a retired teacher, understanding we're not gonna stay long ... and give that ability."
Rep. Taylor asked whether the bill’s protections should extend beyond teachers to other state retirees and raised concerns that returning employees have in the past seen insurance premiums and other costs increase. Bagley said the bill focused on teachers and local hiring discretion; staff and witnesses noted differences between Teachers' Retirement System rules and Office of Group Benefits policies for other state employees.
Bagley told members he had consulted actuaries and believes reemployment in this narrow way would not harm the retirement system’s finances. After discussion and to allow a senator working on a companion bill to proceed, Bagley asked the committee to voluntarily defer HB 20. Chair Turner moved to defer and, with no objection, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 20.
