HBA-TBM H.B. 3147 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3147
By: Smith
Pensions & Investments
4/5/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the supply of properly certified individuals to serve as
principals is not meeting the growing demand for principals in Texas
schools.  To address the critical teacher shortage in this state, the Texas
Legislature has enacted statutes that made it easier for retired teachers
to reenter the classroom in critical teacher shortage areas without
penalty.  Members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas who have been
retired from teaching for 12 months are authorized to return to the
classroom and receive a salary and retirement benefits.  Under current law,
that option does not apply to principals.  House Bill 3147 provides this
option to principals.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3147 amends the Government Code to prohibit the Teacher
Retirement System of Texas (TRS) from withholding a monthly benefit payment
if the retiree is employed in a Texas public educational institution in a
position as a principal, including an assistant principal, on as much as a
full-time basis if the retiree has retired without reduction for retirement
at an early age, is certified to serve as a principal, and has been
separated from service with all public schools for at least 12 months.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001. This Act applies beginning with the
2001-2002 school year.