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Committee backs one‑year contract option for retired teachers to return to classrooms
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Summary
The House Retirement Committee reported HB 24 favorably on April 9; the bill would let certified retired teachers return on renewable one‑year contract (1099) status to address teacher shortages while sponsors included a sunset and said TRSL stability would be monitored.
The House Retirement Committee voted April 9 to report House Bill 24, which would allow certified retired teachers to return to classroom work under one‑year contracts without reinstating full TRSL contributions for that year.
Rep. Owen, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is aimed at addressing teacher shortages by permitting retired teachers with the correct certifications to teach on a renewable one‑year contract (treated as independent contractor 1099 pay) so schools can retain experienced instructors for short‑term needs. He said the proposal would not short TRSL because, under current practice, employer and employee contributions made during reemployment are returnable, and he included a sunset provision to stop the program if it destabilizes the retirement fund.
Context and concerns: Catherine Whitney, director of the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, told the committee return‑to‑work rules require balancing employer needs, retiree options and cost to the system; she noted a broader study group and related Senate Bill 14 are addressing return‑to‑work complexity and recommended coordination with TRSL if the bill advances.
Members asked about potential interaction with charter schools and whether the 1099 model could be used to avoid employer obligations; Rep. Owen and TRSL staff said employers would need to be part of discussions and a sunset is included so lawmakers could reassess after a trial period.
Outcome: Without objection the committee reported HB 24 favorably. Supporters said the change could help districts keep qualified instructors in classrooms during vacancies while TRSL and other stakeholders study longer‑term structural options.
