Bill > S441

This bill revives and expands a program that allows retired educators to return to work in high-need schools without impacting their retirement benefits. Specifically, the bill reinstates G.S. 115C-302.4 until June 30, 2027, and modifies several state retirement system statutes to accommodate "high-need retired teachers." Under this legislation, retired teachers can work in high-need schools without having their retirement allowance cease or being restored to full teaching service. The bill requires the Department of Public Instruction to certify these teachers to the Retirement System, and local school boards must report their employment status annually. Employers must provide monthly reports about reemployed beneficiaries, and there are specific provisions to ensure these teachers do not accrue additional retirement benefits. The bill includes a safeguard that if the Internal Revenue Service determines any provision jeopardizes the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System's status, the entire section will be automatically repealed. The legislation is effective immediately and will expire on June 30, 2027, providing a temporary solution to address potential teacher shortages in high-need schools by allowing experienced retired educators to return to the classroom under special conditions.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S441