Task force backs study of retention measures and considers extending irreversible ORP window

On Dec. 5 the HR 169 Task Force reviewed a package of recruitment and retention proposals aimed at improving faculty and staff retention across public higher education.

One recurring item was a proposal to lengthen the irrevocable ORP decision window from five to seven years to better align with tenure and retention timelines. Members repeatedly noted the proposal would trigger an actuarial note and could create costs the legislature or institutions would need to weigh; staff and actuaries were asked to review potential fiscal impacts.

Separately, the task force discussed two ways to increase employer contributions: a legislative appropriation of any savings from recent trust‑fund actions to higher education (so systems could boost employer contributions) and a statutory floor increase to match employee contribution rates. Members noted that any appropriation decision would be up to the governor and legislature and that K–12 implications differ from higher education.

The group also recommended a feasibility study (study resolution) to examine phased retirement models for faculty. Discussion included voluntary reduced‑load arrangements, impacts on health benefits and retirement calculations, and pilot examples from other universities. Members recommended the study include academic affairs, OGB (Office of Group Benefits), system HR and legal counsel to assess mechanics and costs.

Finally, task force members raised a brief recommendation to allow optional TRSL membership for certain hires with prior Social Security coverage (modeled on another system’s approach); the group favored including the idea in the draft report for future legislative consideration.

Staff will incorporate these recommendations and actuarial notes into the draft report to circulate in advance of the final task force meeting.