HCS/HBs 346 & 174 - This act revises provisions of the public school and nonteacher retirement systems.

The act allows Kansas City to allow teachers to be employed in the Kansas City school district for up to two years after retirement without losing his or her retirement benefits. These provisions are similar to SB 180 (2003).

The act specifies that the contribution rate shall be fixed by the board and certified to the employer. The level rate of contribution for any fiscal year may not exceed the prior year's rate of contribution by more than one half percent. However, no new benefits may be offered until the rate of contribution is reduced back to 10 and one-half percent. These provisions are similar to SB 233 and SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420 and SB 341 (2003).

The act simplifies credit purchases under PSRS and NTRS systems. Payment for credit purchases must be completed prior to termination of membership with the retirement system. The act clarifies that the member must have covered employment with the retirement system following the purchase credit. The act also defines the calculation of payment for such credit purchases. These provisions are similar to SBs 233 & 247 and SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420 and SB 341 (2003).

The act creates a partial lump sum option for PSRS and NTRS members whose age plus creditable service equal at least 86 or whose creditable service is at least 33 years. The election to receive a partial lump-sum distribution must be made at least 30 days prior to retirement. The member may make such election in a 12, 24 or 36 month increment of their entire retirement benefit. These provisions are similar to SBs 233 & 247 and SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420 and SB 341 (2003).

The act extends the 25 and out provisions for PSRS and NTRS for five additional years from July 1, 2003 to July 1, 2008. These sections have an emergency clause. This provision is similar to SBs 233 & 247 and SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420 and SB 341 (2003).

This act would allow school districts with a shortage of certified teachers or non-certificated employees to hire retirees for up to two years without them losing their retirement benefits. The total number hired will not exceed 10% or five certificated teachers or employees. Retired certificated teachers hired would be included in the State Directory of New Hires. The employer contributions would be made by the hiring school district eliminating fiscal impact. All necessary costs would be paid by the hiring school district and would not exceed the district's statutory cost limitations. In order to hire teachers and non-certificated employees to fill such shortage the school district is required to make certain findings which are specified. These provisions are similar to SB 247 and SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420 and SB 341 (2003).

The act also changes the ability of a member to elect to continue to be a part of the school insurance program. Members must make this election within one year of the date last employed by the district. These provisions are similar to SB 247 and SCS/SBs 248, 100, 118, 233, 247, 341 & 420 and SB 341 (2003).
CINDY KADLEC