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Paul Arrington explains bill to align PERSI irrigation exception with historical practice
Summary
Paul Arrington told the committee RS 32938 would clarify that the PERSI exception allowing some retirees to work up to eight months applies to all irrigation and drainage entities, reflecting that irrigation seasons typically exceed the five-month limit in general statute; the committee sent the draft to print by voice vote.
At the Jan. 14, 2026, Senate Resources & Environment Committee meeting, Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association explained RS 32938, saying it clarifies existing language in the PERSI code. Minutes state current statute permits a PERSI retiree to work up to five months without affecting retirement benefits, and that statutory exceptions have allowed retirees working with certain entities (including irrigation districts) to work up to eight months. Arrington said the draft would clarify that the term 'irrigation district' in the PERSI code encompasses all irrigation and drainage entities, consistent with historical application and the longer irrigation season.
Senator Guthrie moved that RS 32938 be sent to print; Senator VanOrden seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: Without the clarification, retirees and district managers could face uncertainty about allowable work durations and potential impacts on retirement benefits. The change aims to align statute language with how the exception has historically been applied in practice.
Committee action and next steps: The committee approved sending RS 32938 to print; the minutes do not record a roll-call tally.
