Bill > HB841

This bill modifies the rules for retired teachers and educators returning to work by reducing the break in service requirement from twelve to six months specifically for teachers or administrators in teacher shortage areas or hard-to-fill positions. The bill requires the Department of Education to establish procedures for identifying these shortage areas and requires that any rehired retirants cannot receive additional employment benefits typically provided to active employees. When a retired teacher is rehired, their employer (either the Department of Education or a charter school) must contribute to the pension accumulation fund to cover the system's unfunded actuarial accrued liability. The key changes aim to help address teacher shortages by making it easier for retired educators to return to work while also ensuring that their return does not create additional financial burden for the pension system. The bill includes provisions to prevent pre-arranged return-to-work agreements and sets clear guidelines for rehiring retired teachers, with the ultimate goal of supporting educational staffing needs in areas experiencing critical workforce challenges.

Budget and Finance, Education, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=841&year=2026