SRC-JJJ H.B. 1702 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1702 By: Delisi (West) Education 5/14/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas is experiencing a teacher shortage. In order to alleviate this shortage and to attract experienced teachers, H.B. 1702 would prohibit the Teacher Retirement System of Texas from withholding a retired educator's monthly benefit if the educator decides to return to the classroom to teach a subject area in which the educator is properly certified in an acute shortage area, and if the retiree's annuity has not been reduced due to retirement at an early age, and the retiree has not taught in the public school system for at least 12 months. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1702 establishes benefits regarding the loss of benefits by a retiree of the Teacher Retirement system of Texas who resumes teaching. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 824.602(a), Government Code, to prohibit the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to Section 825.506, from withholding a monthly benefit payment under Section 824.601, if the retiree is employed in a Texas public educational institution in certain positions, including as a full-time classroom teacher on as much as a full-time basis, and has been separated from service with all public schools for at least 12 months, and providing certain conditions. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1999-2000 school year. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.