SRC-CTC S.B. 1317 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1317
77R2667 SMJ-DBy: Staples
Education
3/9/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, state law prohibits retirees from the public education system
from being rehired without a loss in benefits by the retiree.  The 76th
Legislature passed legislation to make it easier for retirees to reenter
the classroom, but there are still barriers for districts attempting to
address shortages in teachers and support personnel.  As proposed, S.B.
1317 reduces the time period that a retiree must be separated from
employment in education from 12 to two months and allows local
superintendents to define shortage areas in their districts.  These changes
allow districts better access to the talent pool of retirees and to respond
better to critical shortages at the local level. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly 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 delete existing
text relating to a retiree teaching in an acute shortage area.  Prohibits
the Teachers Retirement System (retirement system) from withholding a
monthly benefit payment from a retiree if the retiree is employed in a
Texas public educational institution and has, among other conditions, been
separated from service with all public schools for at least two, rather
than 12, months.  Prohibits the retirement system from withholding a
monthly benefit from a retiree if the retiree is employed in a Texas public
educational institution in a position other than a classroom teacher on as
much as a full-time basis, if the retiree has retired under Section
824.202(a) without reduction for retirement at an early age and has been
separated from service with all public schools for at least two months. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2001-2002
school year. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.