Bill > HB841

This bill modifies the rules for retired teachers and administrators returning to work in Hawaii's education system by reducing the break in service requirement from twelve to six calendar months before they can be rehired in teacher shortage areas or hard-to-fill positions. The bill explicitly prohibits rehired retirants from receiving additional employment benefits typically given to active employees and requires the Department of Education to establish procedures for identifying teacher shortage areas and hard-to-fill positions. Specifically, when a retired teacher is rehired, the charter school or Department of Education must contribute a percentage of the retirant's compensation to the pension accumulation fund to cover the system's unfunded actuarial accrued liability. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for bringing experienced educators back into the workforce while ensuring that the pension system remains financially sound. Notably, the legislation includes a provision that the retirant cannot have a pre-existing agreement with the state or county about returning to work before their initial retirement, which helps prevent potential manipulation of the retirement system.

Budget and Finance, Education, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=841&year=2025