HBA-TBM H.B. 3147 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3147
By: Smith
Pensions & Investments
7/3/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 77th Legislature, the supply of properly certified individuals
to serve as principals was not meeting the growing demand for principals in
Texas schools.  To address the critical teacher shortage in this state, the
Texas Legislature had enacted statutes that made it easier for retired
teachers to reenter the classroom in critical teacher shortage areas
without penalty.  Members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas who
have been retired from teaching for 12 months are authorized to return to
the classroom and receive a salary and retirement benefits.  Under previous
law, that option did not apply to principals.  House Bill 3147 provides
this option to principals.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3147 amends the Government Code to prohibit the Teacher
Retirement System of Texas (TRS) from withholding a monthly benefit payment
if the retiree is employed in a Texas public educational institution in a
position as a principal, including an assistant principal, on as much as a
full-time basis if the retiree has retired without reduction for retirement
at an early age, is certified to serve as a principal, and has been
separated from service with all public schools for at least 12 months.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 11, 2001.